Mel Brooks, Tig Notaro, & Jonathan Katz Top Riot LA Comedy Fest Lineup

The annual Riot LA Comedy Festival breaks out with laughter Jan. 19-22, when the city will be overrun with comedy vets and budding up-and-comers appearing at various venues. Throughout the four days, comedy fans will get the chance to experience film screenings, storytelling, music and of course plenty of stand-up.

The de-facto headliner of this year’s event is none other than Mel Brooks, creator of “The Producers” and “Young Frankenstein.” On Friday, Brooks takes the stage at the Microsoft Theater for a Q&A following a screening of his hit film “Blazing Saddles”, where he’ll tell stories about the making of the movie and answer all those long-burning questions from fans.

Playing six shows over the weekend at the Theater at the Ace Hotel will be Ali Wong, a stand-up and TV writer whose Netflix special “Baby Cobra” was released this year. The Novo will host Felipe Esparza, who won NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2010 and has since garnered a following for finding the humor of normal life. Jonathan Katz, the man behind his eponymous cartoon, will take over the Orpheum Theatre on Sunday with special guest Tig Notaro. Other heavy-hitting comedians who will grace the stage over the weekend include Nikki Glaser, Kyle Kinane, Eugene Mirmam, Ron Funches, Laura Silverman, Rachel Bloom and Todd Barry.

Super Deluxe, an online creative community, will host The Lot on South Spring Street downtown, featuring a spread of activities, including an arcade with original games, live performances, comedian workshops and DJ sets. The Lot will function as a carnival, replete a ferris wheel, photo booth, food trucks and lounge areas.

With the purchase of a premium pass, fans are guaranteed a seat at their choice of three shows on Saturday and Sunday at The Orpheum and the Theatre at the Ace Hotel, as well as entry into the Super Deluxe Lot. Seats at additional shows, if they aren’t sold out, are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Riot LA is sure to be packed to the brim with comedy fans from all over the country.

LA Riot Comedy Festival is Jan. 19-22 at various locations. Ticket information can be found here.