Quah Laughs Arts and Comedy Festival will return for a second time in late August with additional features.
“We’re really looking forward to coming back to our hometown of Tahlequah and making sure we make everyone laugh that night,” said Justin McLemore, owner of Full Blood Productions and leader of the Qua Laughs.
McLemore said Lance Gouge and his band will perform alongside six other comedians: Sondra Slade, Jordan Jay, Rachel Rose, Cole Pannell, Nekoti Dashane and headliner Matt Ferrell. The first Qua Laughs featured an all-Native American cast of comedians, but this year’s lineup will be more diverse, including some local talent.
This comedy show is intended for people 18 and over.
“It’s a show for adults, so I’m happy to be able to offer that,” McLemore said, “so no matter what the situation is, there’s one night where you can relax and laugh. The comedians I’ve put together this year are on par with your average Asylum show. They’re absolutely fantastic.”
McLemore said he brought in Lance Gouge as musical guest because he wanted the entertainment to feel authentic.
“We’re kind of growing up together,” McLemore said. “We’re doing comedy shows with some big local comedians, but we want people who are going to grow with us.”
Quah Laughs Art & Comedy Festival is hosted by Lanice Belcher at The Venue, 109 W. Willis Road. This year they’ve also added an art market, featuring 15 vendors. The art section will feature everything from beadwork to street art.
“I’m excited [the art aspect] “It’s to go along with the comedy,” McLemore said.
Last year’s Quah Laughs drew about 250 people and many asked when the next comedy show would be, a question that prompted McLemore to continue the event.
Quah Laughs sparked a series of events that allowed organizers to continue sharing the joys of comedy with others. After the first event, Rezzy Jams, similar to the Tahlequah comedy show, took root in Norman, McLemore said. Rezzy Jams has since morphed, allowing McLemore to run a comedy show at the Norman Music Festival. Recently, another show was held at the Blue Whale, and people kept asking McLemore to host and produce it.
“After all, [The Quah Laughs] “This is our show,” McLemore said. “This is where it all started. This is where we are. [up] All the best comedians we have.”
Check it out
Quah Laughs Arts & Comedy Festival will be held on August 24th. Comedy will be from 7pm to 10pm, with doors opening at 6.15pm. The art market will run from 4.30pm to 9.30pm. Admission is $20 at the door. Additional prices can be found on Full Blood’s Facebook page.