JOKES OFF THE GRID – THE INDUSTRY DROPPED IN
This isn’t just another comedy show—it’s a landmark night for the industry, by the industry. The brightest minds in entertainment come together under one roof for music, comedy, and chaos. Top-tier talent, plugged-in managers, visionary producers, and boundary-pushing creatives will take the stage and fill the aisles—connecting, creating, and celebrating what’s next in showbiz.
And if that’s not enough, the caliber of talent on the lineup makes this a night you simply can’t miss:
Hosted By: American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks
Taylor Hicks, winning "American Idol's" blockbuster fifth season was just the beginning. Hailed as “part Stax, part Motown and part honky-tonk” by The New York Times, Hicks’ intoxicating blend of soul, blues, country, and rock 'n' roll quickly rendered him a household name as he progressed to the show’s record-breaking finale in 2006, a historic television event which drew an audience of more than 200 million viewers. Hicks immediately followed his "American Idol" victory with a No. 1 Billboard single and an RIAA®-certified platinum debut, and soon went on to make history as both the first male "American Idol" champion featured on a GRAMMY-winning record (Jimmy Fallon’s Blow Your Pants Off), and the first to land a prestigious Las Vegas residency. A versatile artist, actor and advocate, Hicks has since ventured into theater, television and film, starring in Serenbe Playhouse's 2019 production of "Shenandoah," touring as Teen Angel in the popular Broadway musical “Grease” in addition to appearing on “Law & Order: SVU” and hosting the INSP series “State Plate,” which won the Cynopsis TV Award for Best Reality Series (Travel). Hicks’ passion for southern cuisine led him back to his native Alabama, where he opened up SAW's Juke Joint, a restaurant crowned one of the “25 Best Barbecue Spots in America” by Men’s Journal.
Blazing guitars meet reflective storytelling in the music of Mark Mackay, an artist who balances spirited swagger with disarming vulnerability to create a vivid, arena-ready blend of rock and country soul. A seasoned performer with thousands of shows under his belt, Mackay has shared stages with icons like The Steve Miller Band, REO Speedwagon, Night Ranger, and country stars Blake Shelton and Tim McGraw, while commanding legendary venues like Ryman Auditorium, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and the Kennedy Center. His latest collection of songs, crafted alongside acclaimed collaborators including Adam Shoenfeld and Jeffrey Steele, marks the next evolution of his sound—where nostalgia, grit, and emotional honesty collide in tracks that range from the heartfelt “Old Songs and Old Trucks” to the anthemic unity call of “I Am Love.” Whether backed by a full band or stripped down to just guitar and voice, Mackay forges a powerful connection with audiences through stories drawn from the road and the shared human experience, channeling the spirit of influences like Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp into a sound that feels both timeless and unmistakably his own.
Taking her act to screens on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, New Girl, has a residency in Las Vegas and freshly off Kevin Hart’s Funny As Fuck. People know her as the comedy mom.
Leslie Liao
From Netflix HR to Netflix Star, Leslie was still working in Netflix’s corporate offices when she got put up on Netflix’s Verified Stand Up & The Tonight Show. She was a Just For Laughs favorite- Leslie will tell you straight up how it is with her unique insight into the heart of the industry: raw, real and no filler.
Vinny Fasline
Touring the country alongside legends like Jo Koy, Dane Cook, Nick Swardson, and Michael Rappaport, Vinny is the guy everyone in the industry wants on their roster and every audience member wants to grab a drink with.
Jeremy “Gumbo” Christian
With writing and creative consulting credits for MTV’s Wild ‘N Out and a sold out show that earned "Best of the Festival" honors from both Netflix and the LA Times, Gumbo is one of the most respected comedians in the industry known for selling out the Improv and paving paths for other comedians and actors to be successful For Years, he is the next rising comedian to watch.
TeaJay Bauer
A premier and recurring performer at the Hollywood Improv, TeaJay is the ticket you’re looking for if you want to see a performer who represents the future of the Los Angeles comedy legacy. He was a producer for NETFLIX IS A JOKE. He also produces and acts in films. TeaJay has a movie he co-leads hitting 1,400+ theatres in September that will be announced summer of 26 as well as many others TBA.
Mason & Julez Brothers
Rising music stars Fueled by a rapidly growing online following, the Mason and Julez Brothers are turning digital momentum into an electrifying, can’t-miss live show. Their recent music videos—“Bleed Internally,” “Hollywood On Me,” and “Eye To Eye”—have sparked real-time fan connection across platforms, drawing listeners into their cinematic, emotionally charged world and building a community that shows up loud both online and in person. That energy came to life onstage at Boots in the Park, where their brother-driven chemistry and high-impact performance proved they can command a festival crowd while keeping the intimacy fans connect with on screen. Blending driving guitars, tight harmonies, and deeply personal storytelling, they deliver a set that feels like a shared moment between artist and audience—where every chorus hits harder because the crowd already knows the words. This isn’t just a show—it’s a live extension of a growing community, built on authenticity, connection, and music that resonates far beyond the stage.
Reece Muniz
A bright spark in the LA comedy circuit, Reece has been electrifying crowds, lighting up his name and the industry has noticed. About to head on a national tour with Deric Cahill, Reece Muniz is fun to watch- he will have you falling out of your seat.
Shumaya Bang Weinstein
Shumaya Bang Weinstein is a formidable force of personality, known for her "no-filter" charm.The wife of The Real E of Entourage, makes since why he married her; she's pretty and funny. She is pretty funny. You can see her almost weekly at THE COMEDY STORE. One of Comedy's rising stars and most loved.
