Jonathan Van Ness, Matt Rife Added To Lil Rhody Laugh Riot 4-Day Comedy Festival

PROVIDENCE, RI — Providence's new four-day comedy festival Lil Rhody Laugh Riot already has some big names like Kevin Hart, Michael Blaustein, Leslie Jones, Aziz Ansari, Hannah Berner, and Chris Distefano — but it is not done adding huge headliners to the lineup.

Lil Rhody Laugh Riot, which takes over Rhode Island's capital from March 27 through March 30, has added comedy powerhouses Matt Rife and Jonathan Van Ness to its already stacked lineup.

Anchored at the historic the VETS and spilling over into satellite venues around the city including, the Providence Performing Arts Center and RI Comedy Connection, this festival will feature four days packed of "expertly crafted chaos, witty one-liners, and just enough self-deprecating humor to make us all feel seen," organizers said.

Also, bringing their signature humor to the Capital City is Ashley Gavin, who joins Melissa Villaseñor and Sophie Buddle for “Triple the Laughs” at The VETS, as well as Des Bishop, performing for one night at Comedy Connection in East Providence.

Below are details on the newly added performances:

• Des Bishop: 7:30 p.m. March 27 — Comedy Connection
• Matt Rife: 7 p.m. March 29 and March 30 — Comedy Connection
• Ashley Gavin: 7 p.m. March 29 — The VETS
• Jonathan Van Ness: 9:45 p.m. March 29 — The VETS.

See the schedule for the rest of Lil Rhody Laugh Riot here.

It’s not just about the laughs, though. In conjunction with the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot, the inaugural Providence Culinary Collective will take place the same weekend in various locations across the city. Presented by the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB), this first-of-its-kind food and wine festival will honor Providence’s culinary legacy.

"Providence has long been a city that thrives on creativity, culture and connection, and the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot is the perfect addition to our vibrant lineup of attractions," Mayor Brett Smiley said. "This comedy festival, paired with the debut of the Providence Culinary Collective, will showcase the best of what our city has to offer — world-class entertainment, exceptional cuisine and an energy that draws people together. We’re excited to welcome visitors and locals alike to experience why Providence is quickly gaining national recognition as a top destination for people to live, work and visit."

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