Event Details

Founded in 2020, and incorporated in 2021, The Canadian Comedy Hall of Fame (CCHOF) has a mission to recognize, celebrate, promote, and preserve Canadian achievements in comedy. The initial goals of the organization are: to create a virtual Hall of Fame to honour those already inducted; to create a process to nominate and induct future members; build a Festival around those inductions that would include education and create an archive; and use the Festival to demonstrate the need for a permanent brick and mortar facility for the Hall of Fame. The CCHOF has partnered with Tourism Hamilton and has secured a three year funding agreement to produce the Festival in Hamilton.

This application is for “The Canadian Comedy Hall of Fame Festival”, taking place February 21 to 25, 2023 in multiple venues in Hamilton, including the First Ontario Concert Hall (capacity 2.000), the Studio at the Concert Hall (capacity 500), Levity Comedy Club, and the Hamilton Convention Centre. The Festival will feature several comedy and variety shows, educational and interactive exhibits, information sessions and screenings. Programming includes:

(1) “The CCHOF Exhibit”, featuring the interactive and iconic Great White North Set from SCTV and presents the story of Canada's diverse and world-renowned history in comedy;

(2) “Cultural Comedy Mosaic”, a diverse comedy showcase featuring: Zabrina Douglass, Elvira Kurt, Sterling Scot, Frank Spadone, and Ron Josol;

(3) "Got Land", an all-Indigenous show featuring Janelle Niles, Don Kelly and more;

(4) "Nous Sommes Bilingue", presented in a partnership with Le Centre Francophone de Hamilton, this show will feature the best francophone comedians;

(5) "The Hamilton Show", stand up and sketch acts honouring the comedic talent from Hamilton including TV’s Red Green (Steve Smith), Billy Van, Eugene Levy and Martin Short. Hosted by Academy Award nominee Graham Greene;

(6) "Stand up Celebration Gala"; Performers may include Ron James, Steph Tolev, Ahern Belisle, Derek Edwards, Zabrina Douglass, Sterling Scot, Harland Williams and Elvira Kurt. 2023 inductee Jim Carrey has been invited to perform;

(7) “Uncle Buck” screening and pancake breakfast;

(8) “Opening Dinner Gala”, tentatively hosted by Graham Greene, Pat Mckenna and Wendy Crewson; and

(9) “Closing Variety Gala”: featuring performances by cast members of “Got Land,” and "Nous Sommes Bilingue,” as well as 2023 nominee Elvira Kurt (Canada’s first openly gay comic). The Arkells are tentatively booked to perform as well.