Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival

Chris Porter has been a touring comic since he was 23.
Chris Porter has been a touring comic since he was 23.

The Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy festival kicks off August 13, 2014 with Chris Porter, a top three contestant during Season 4 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing.

Best known for his third place finish on the Season 4 of Last Comic Standing, Chris can also be seen on his own “Comedy Central Presents” special and “Live at Gotham.” Chris Porter has been a touring comic since he was 23. Since the beginning, Chris’ raw energy and unique perspective has distinguished him as one of the elite comics in the industry.

Born and raised in Kansas City, Chris brings a true stand-up experience to his live shows. There are no sound cues, no puppets, and no catch phrases. Just gut wrenching laughter drawn from his own experience and observations. Catch his hit special on NETFLIX.

The multi-day, multi-venue Laugh Your Asheville Off festival spotlights more than 50 of the nation’s funniest up-and-coming and established comics. The comics have hopes of turning the heads of the major TV network casting agents, talent bookers, and comedy club owners that have traveled to the festival to discover stand-up comedy’s next crop of rising talent.

“We’ve received seven years of support from Asheville and we’ve been embraced by the national comic community, and have grown into one of the largest comedy festivals in the country. In return, we hope to continually raise the bar of world class entertainment while keeping ticket prices reasonable,” said Charlie Gerencer, festival producer and production company executive.

Since submissions began this year, several hundred comedians from all over the country submitted stand-up clips hoping to secure one of the 60 performer slots. The festival kicks off Wednesday, August 13, with the “Brother Wolf Animal Rescue charity show at Highland Brewing Company. A portion of the proceeds from the show will be donated to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.

The largest non-competitive comedy festival in the southeast, LYAO hosts comics, industry professionals, and talent producers. Previous talent have gone on to appear on network sitcoms, half-hour Comedy Central specials, and late night flagship shows like The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson as well as many others.

About Brother Wolf Animal Rescue

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is a No Kill organization in Asheville. They are a 501(c)(3) tax deductible corporation. In addition to offering free spay/neuter assistance and a pet food pantry, their Behavioral Counseling and Youth Education programs help promote a better understanding of, and respect for, companion animals.

The 10,000 sq. ft. Joyce B. Cambron Adoption Center, located at 31 Glendale Avenue, is home to up to 100 dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens each day. In this clean, happy, and energetic environment, animals receive mental stimulation and exercise through a variety of enrichment programs.

BWAR’s dedicated volunteers and friendly adoption counselors and animal care attendants work hard to find just the right match between a potential adopter and a furry new family member.

If You Go: Laugh Your Asheville Off Festival launch party and Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Benefit, Wednesday, August 13, 2014. Individual show pricing: $16/ticket. Cosmo festival passes: $66-$86 for access to all shows. At Highland Brewing, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Asheville. Tickets are on sale now at www.laughyourashevilleoff.com.