BeatRoute Magazine BC Edition - February 2020

YVR
JUST FOR LAUGHS
NORTHWEST:
RETURNS FOR 5TH ANNUAL
COMEDY FEST WITH
EMPHASIS ON LOCAL TALENT
By YASMINE SHEMESH
02.20
J
ust for Laughs has become an institution
in the comedy world since it was launched
in Montreal in 1983, now standing as
the largest international festival of its
kind. Its Vancouver transplant, the JFL
NorthWest Comedy Festival, continues to
carry the touch forward with its fifth annual
edition, featuring an impressive lineup that
includes world-renowned and up-andcoming
comedians performing stand-up,
sketch, and improv.
Among the festival’s biggest headliners
are Saturday Night Live alum Jay
Pharaoh, trailblazing Korean American
comedian Margaret Cho, and Maria
Bamford, best known for her hilarious
and candid approach to mental health.
Podcasters Todd Barry and Off Book:
The Improvised Musical Podcast will be
on-site, too, hosting their shows live.
One of the most exciting components
of JFLNW, though, is its strong emphasis
on homegrown talent. Their Best of the
West series presents a fantastic crosssection
of B.C.-based performers, like
Little Mountain Improv, Graham Clark’s
Quiz Show, and Hip.Bang!. There will
also be a special short film showcase,
Comedy Short Shorts, that celebrates
the work of Pacific Northwest
moviemakers. A panel of industry
judges will vote for their favourite film,
with the first-place winner taking
home $1,000 and going on to vie
for a coveted slot at the Montreal
festival in July.
February 13-25
@ Various Locations
jflnorthwest.com
VANCOUVER’S ESSENTIAL FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
FEBRUARY 2020 BEATROUTE 35