Laugh In the New Year in Salem

SALEM, MA - The First Annual Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival is set for Thursday January 14th - Sunday 17th, 2016. The four-day festival will run over the long weekend and feature over 20 comedians, an improv show, and a comedy-hypnotist at a variety of popular downtown Salem venues.

“I was inspired by a festival I attended years back in New Orleans,” said festival producer and comedian Mark Scalia. “It was literally one of the greatest memories in my 25-plus year professional career. It really felt like a celebration of comedy, a real appreciation of the craft. We want a relaxed, happy environment - everything up close and personal. The result is hilarious shows. We are excited for both the comics and the audience to feel like they are at home, with great moments all the way through.”
Local venues for this year’s Festival include Koto, Far From the Tree, Opus, and Gallows Hill Theatre. Each night will feature different comics and local tastings, and Sunday’s show will include an Improv show as well as a comedy hypnotist. Thursday night will kick-off at Koto and feature 10 comics and a delicious dinner. Friday night at Far From the Tree, Salem’s local cidery, will also feature 10 comics and a special cider flight tasting. Saturday night’s ‘Triple Threat’ show at Opus will feature three headlining comedians and starts with an optional exclusive private VIP three course Dinner with the Comics at Opus Underground. The Festival finale on Sunday night is a double-header, which will include an Improv show and a comedy hypnotist at Gallows Hill Theater.

Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival tickets are now on sale at SalemComedyFestival.com. Individual show tickets as well as all-access passes will be available on that date, as well as a limited number of Saturday VIP Dinner with the Comic tickets. Early booking highly suggested.

“As a comedian, you have a basic need to make people laugh,” said Scalia. “This is a unique opportunity to raise everyone’s spirits in winter and create fantastic memories for both the audience and the talented comedians we are honored to have performing.”

A Facebook event page can be found at: Facebook.com/SalemComedyandSpiritsFestival