March 28th
Headliner: Canice Nnanna
Canice has appeared on Hulu, MTV, Sway in the Morning Show, CBS Sports Radio, and is a writer for the CW & KPRC networks. He was awarded as one of the 'Funniest Comedians in South Texas.' He is a stand-up comedian, actor, social media personality, television writer, voice-over artist & proud host of the "Black Pop Quiz" gameshow that garners tens of millions of views throughout social media with over 300k followers!
Featuring: Shabaz “Playtime” Ward
Shabaz “Playtime” Ward is a stand-up comic from Jeanerette, Louisiana, known for his quirky, witty, and high-energy style of comedy. Blending Southern charm with sharp observations and playful storytelling, Shabaz brings an authentic voice to every stage he steps on. With natural charisma and undeniable stage presence, he continues to win over audiences wherever he performs.
Headliner: Donna Lee
Donna Lee blends her Thai and Irish heritage into a unique comedic voice, bringing audiences together through hilarious, heartfelt stories about family and cultural identity. Born in Thailand and raised in Texas, she proudly calls Austin home.
Donna burst onto the comedy scene in 2006 as a finalist on Nick@Nite’s Search for the Funniest Mom in America, hosted by Katey Sagal. For five years, she balanced the chaos of motherhood, comedy showcases and a thriving career in medical sales. In 2012, she stepped away from stand-up comedy to focus on raising her family and advancing professionally.
Now, with her sons grown and her husband and four wiener dogs (mostly) potty trained, Donna made her triumphant return to comedy full-time in May 2024. She's currently touring the nation’s top comedy clubs and is a proud member of the national stand-up group Moms Unhinged. She was also recently on Kill Tony (episodes 722 & 738), where, after her interviews and performances, she advanced with an exclusive invitation to the coveted “Secret Show” both times.
Donna is also the host and producer of two popular podcasts: The Armor Men’s Health Show with Dr. Mistry and Donna Lee and The Ryan Wayne Salon Podcast with Joseph Ryan and Donna Lee. She recently co-authored the book Building Wealth, Building Legacy with original Shark Tank judge Kevin Harrington, contributing a powerful chapter about how humor helped her survive—and thrive.
Over the years, Donna has shared the stage with some of her comedy heroes, including Leanne Morgan, Jo Koy, D.L. Hughley, Bill Engvall, and many more.
Headliner: John L. Brown
Born & raised in South Carolina, John started doing stand-up in Dallas, TX, in June of 2012 and has never looked back. He has performed several times on the Kill Tony podcast, just recently recorded his first 30-minute comedy album/special "Big City Boy", and was also featured on the legendary comedy festival "Skankfest South" in Houston, TX in 2021. He has opened for touring comedians Sam Tripoli, Kevin Farley, Chris Porter, Brian Posehn, Steven Michael Quezada (Breaking Bad), Ian Fidance, April Macie, Tony Rock, Annie Lederman, Pauly Shore, Ed Bassmaster, WWE three-time World Champion Mick Foley, Pablo Francisco, and Harland Williams, to name a few. You can follow John on all social platforms under @HAHAJOHNBROWN.
Featuring: Ian Mac
Ian Mac is a Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)-based stand-up comedian, podcaster, and digital creator known for his "Big Dad Energy" style, often performing in North Texas.
Hosted by: Jake Roper
Jake Roper is an up-and-coming comic who is already a fan favorite in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. His energy and style make him a standout!
Headliner: Seth Cowles
Seth Cowles is a stand-up comedian originally from Boston but has spent the last 15 years performing in Dallas, Texas. His unique perspective, gained from his experiences in the Northeast, provides a clever social commentary on his life. Cowles has performed in numerous festivals, clubs, casinos, and bars across the country, including The Boston Comedy Festival, Dallas Comedy Festival, House of Blues, The Comedy Store, The Improv, and Hyena’s Comedy Clubs. He has opened for various comedy legends such as Frank Caliendo, Doug Benson, Tig Notaro, Gilbert Gottfried, Iliza Schlesinger, and Jeaneane Garafalo. Cowles has also appeared in award-winning television series like Cheaters and S.T.A.G. His new special is set to be released by the end of the year, and he continues to entertain audiences with his energetic and memorable style.
Feature: Arun Rama
Arun Rama is an Indian comedian based in Dallas whose stand-up blends sharp cultural insight with understated, clever punchlines. His material explores the absurdities of modern life, dating, and family expectations with a perspective that’s both smart and relatable. As seen on CW33, Arun was the runner-up in the Purvis Wilson Funniest Stand-Up in Dallas Competition (2023) and was named Best of Fest at the Plano Comedy Festival (2024 & 2025). He has worked with nationally touring headliners and performed at the State Fair of Texas.
Host: Neaz Shahbazi
Neaz Shahbazi quickly made a name for himself in the Texas comedy scene. Get ready for a silly time, from being a first-generation Iranian American to how much he loves hot dogs. He has worked all around DFW, Addison Improv, Plano Comedy House, Tk’s Comedy Club, and the Comedy Arena. Neaz is the Co-founder of Cowabunga Comedy Nights and runs the Bebop open mic. He has even shared the stage with Amir K., Linda Stogner, Dov Davidoff, Paul Varghese, Josh Adam Meyer, Dean Stanfield, Matt Fulchiron, Luke Mones, and Arielle Isaac Norman.
Headliner: Joshua Jay Nieto
Joshua Jay Nieto is a stand-up comedian out of New Braunfels, Texas, known for his commanding stage presence, sharp crowd work, and raw, relatable storytelling. A former elementary school teacher, Joshua brings a unique perspective to the stage, blending real-life experiences with unapologetic humor that connects with audiences everywhere.
He has performed alongside top comedians including Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Chingo Bling, Pablo Francisco, Raymond Orta, and Willie Barcena, and has been featured on the Teachers Gone Bad comedy tour. Joshua has taken stages across Texas and beyond, building a reputation for owning the room and delivering unforgettable sets.
Whether he’s talking about his family, sharing hilarious stories about relationships, or breaking down everyday struggles, Joshua Jay Nieto delivers authenticity, energy, and a style that keeps audiences laughing from start to finish, a Certified Good Time.
Feature: Shawn Miller
Shawn Miller is a high-energy storytelling comedian based in the Coastal Bend. Touring all over Texas and New Orleans, Shawn is known for his quick wit and has opened for comedians like Steve Treviño and Felipe Esparza, as well as performed alongside Raymond Orta. Recently featured at the El Paso Bart Reed’s Comic Strip Comedy Club, Shawn continues to bring his energetic style to stages across the region. When he's not on stage, Shawn can be found surfing waves at the beach or leading his construction company.
Headliner: Derrick Cakley
Derrick is a 13-year comic vet with many of the nation's top comedy clubs calling him on the rise. His debut comedy album "Telling Jokes and Wrecking Lives" gives a glimpse into the mind of this man. He's appeared on the TV broadcast Good Day North Michigan, Comics watching comics, and an Amazon Prime special. Derrick has made numerous stage appearances recently at the prestigious Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, the Plano Comedy Festival in Plano, TX, the largest comedy festival in North Texas, and performed at the Denton Black Film Festival, where he won the grand prize.
Feature: Aaron Cherry
Aaron is a Dallas-based comedian who has gained popularity through various platforms. He is known for his stand-up comedy and has performed at venues like the Arlington Improv.
Headliner: Big Al Gonzales
Big Al is a “stand-up conversationalist” and Marine Corps veteran. Al won Funniest In South Texas 2018 and was a finalist for Funniest In Texas. He has appeared on TV and film, performing around the country for 20 years. He has toured with comedian Steve Trevino and has appeared on “Kill Tony” several times, receiving the coveted “Big Book”.
Feature: Brad Sea
Brad Sea is a rising comic who is known for his observations on fatherhood, family, and the absurdities of modern life.