Popular comedy site Funny or Die has truly outdone itself this time, as it was announced on June 17 that a star-studded tour of epic proportions will soon be headed to lucky venues around the country. Held over five weekends beginning in August, the Oddball Comedy and Curiosity Festival lineup will boast incredible co-headliners Dave Chappelle and Flight of the Conchords, as well as performances by comedians like John Mulaney, Hannibal Buress, Demetri Martin, and more.
Chappelle has remained largely out of the spotlight since his abrupt departure from the acclaimed “Chappelle’s Show” in 2005, and has, for the most part, only appeared sporadically and unannounced at comedy clubs to present his brand of satirical routines about race, pop culture, and politics. Currently, he is in the midst of a short series of solo dates at small comedy clubs through June.
Flight of the Conchords, comprised of Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement, has also been confirmed for the 13-date run. The New Zealand-based comedy duo went on hiatus at the end of 2009, but reunited for an Oceania tour last year. Their appearance on the Oddball Festival lineup will mark the first U.S. appearance since 2011. Though best known for their self-titled HBO show featuring original parody songs like “Business Time” and “Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros,” the duo has also seen individual success, most notably with McKenzie winning an Academy Award in 2011 for his original song in “The Muppets.”
Aside from these much-missed stars, a host of brilliant comedians will also be stepping up to the microphone at the fest. Martin—known for his Comedy Central program “Important Things with Demetri Martin” and one-liner stand-up style—will be performing alongside fellow “The Daily Show” correspondent, Al Madrigal. Two Chicago natives and former “Saturday Night Live” writers, Hannibal Buress and John Mulaney, are also scheduled to perform. Although already beloved in the world of stand-up, Mulaney’s most famous contribution to comedy was Bill Hader’s beloved “Weekend Update” character, Stefon. Buress has found success with his Comedy Central special, “Animal Furnace,” but he’s also recognized for his writing—and appearances as a bum—on “30 Rock.”
Kristen Schaal—a fellow “30 Rock” star and famed regular on “Flight of the Conchords”—will also be on tap to provide laughs. Perhaps most interestingly, the Oddball Comedy and Curiosity Festival will feature a second stage at each venue that only features local comedians from the surrounding area.
Oddball Comedy Festival dates will begin in Texas for a trio of shows in Austin (Aug. 23), The Woodlands (Aug. 24), and Dallas (Aug. 25), before traveling to Burgettstown, Pa. (Aug. 30), Tinley Park, Ill. (Aug. 31), Clarkston, Mich. (Sept. 1), Camden, N.J. (Sept. 6), Holmdel, N.J. (Sept. 7), Mansfield, Mass. (Sept. 8), Englewood, Colo. (Sept. 13), Irvine, Calif. (Sept. 15), Mountain View, Calif. (Sept. 20), and Phoenix, Ariz. (Sept. 22). Be in the audience to laugh along with these tried-and-true comedians—as well as find new favorites—by securing your Oddball Comedy Festival tickets today.