EXCLUSIVE: Chicago entrepreneur Knowledge Become is teaming up with longtime friend and collaborator Lil Rel Howery to bring Chicago’s first-ever What’s Funny Comedy Festival this fall, Deadline can exclusively reveal.
The festival will take place at the historic Dassable Museum of African American History and major Chicago venues from September 16-22. It’s a labor of love that’s fueled by Beckcom and Howley’s desire to offer something unique to their hometown of Chicago. Their vision for the annual event is to celebrate humor and friendship, showcasing the skills of talented comedians from up-and-coming to established names, while providing an opportunity to network with industry insiders.
In addition to live comedy performances, the festival will feature a variety of vendors, merchandise, food, musical performances, special panels with comedy legends, and closing out the week with the taping of Howley’s first independently produced stand-up special. Budding comedians will also have the opportunity to take workshops to learn the fundamentals of the art and business of comedy.
The festival was heavily influenced by Mary Lindsay, founder of Chicago’s renowned comedy club Jokes & Notes, which closed in 2016 after 11 years in business. Based in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood, the venue was known for providing a platform for African-American comedians to showcase their talents and nurturing the careers of dozens of up-and-coming comedians.
Tickets for the Whats Funny Comedy Festival will go on sale at the link from Monday 8th July, with early bird discounts available for a limited time.
Beckom, founder of entertainment companies Classic Hip Hop Lives and Jokes Beats x Culture, got into comedy nearly two decades ago with the goal of providing mentorship, a platform and funding to talent who lacked the resources to advance their careers.
Howery, a Chicago native, actor, comedian, writer and producer, debuted his first stand-up special, “Kevin Hart Presents: Lil Rel: RELevent,” on Netflix in 2016. That hour-long show was followed by two other specials on HBO: “Lil Rel Howery: Live in Crenshaw” in 2019 and “Lil Rel Howery: I Said It. Y’all Thinking It” in 2022. As an actor, he is best known for his roles in films like “Get Out” and series like “The Carmichael Show,” and will next star in Sony’s live-action adaptation of the popular children’s book “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” due for release on August 2.
Howery is repped by UTA, Fourth Wall Management and Cohen & Gardner.
