Altadena Comedy Festival Starts Tonight

Friday and Saturday will feature comedians who are usually found around Hollywood, a chance to benefit military veterans... and the world's largest group hug?

Well, not quite.  But the organizers of the event wanted to do something funny and memorable so one of the organizer, John Heinsen, called the Guinness Book of Records organization to find out what records Altadena might be able to set at the festival.

As it turns out, says Heinsen, trying to go through the Guinness procedure was more trouble than it is worth... so organizers will be attempting the largest group hug in Altadena's history, he said, centered around a popular barista who works at the Coffee Gallery.

Overall, the festival will feature about a dozen events on Friday and Saturday (the full schedule can be viewed here).  Each show costs $10 and they run from around 6 p.m. into the night.

There will also be an improv workshop, and magic shows for kids, Heinsen said.

The proceeds will benefit the Blue Star Families organization, which provides support to military families.  Heinsen said he expects to raise around $2000 to $3000, but also believes that the exposure for the organization will lead to additional donations.

The Altadena Comedy Festival first started in 2009 as a way to raise funds for the Relay for Life organization, which benefits cancer research, Heinsen said.  There was no festival in 2010, but organizers are hoping it can become a more regular event.

For more information, visit the festival's website.