Tuesday, April 23, would have been comedian Kenny DeForest’s 38th birthday.
“To be able to do a proclamation to say that this is Kennedy DeForest Day in the city of Springfield, that’s special,” said Mayor Ken McClure.
Born and raised in Springfield, DeForest was a well-known comedian who suddenly passed away after being hit by a car in December.
McClure presented a proclamation Tuesday afternoon to a packed house, stating that April 23 will forever be Kenny DeForest Day for the city of Springfield.
That’s not the only thing being done to celebrate DeForest’s memory.
Tuesday was also the start of the Kenny DeForeFEST, a comedy festival running through this weekend that will be bringing in some big names in comedy.
“He was the star of Springfield, and I’m thankful to the city for sharing him with us,” said Clark Jones, who has known DeForest since 2009.
Jones said the two met outside an open-mic night in Chicago and immediately became brothers.
“He brought comedians to Springfield and introduced a lot of comedians, New York, L.A., wherever, to his hometown,” Jones said. “And it wasn’t a humble introduction. He was very proud of where he was from.”
The Kenny DeForeFEST had already been in the works for about a year.
“After December and his untimely passing, I just I just felt like it had to be done,” Jones said.
It was after DeForest passed away that Jones had the idea to hold the comedy festival on Kenny’s birthday.
“A lot of great performers who’ve been here before, they didn’t hesitate,” Jones said. “They jumped at the chance like, ‘Yeah, of course we’ll come perform and do one of the things that Kenny loved, which is comedy.”
Chris Richele, the owner of the Blue Room Comedy Club, says this festival will continue for years to come.
“For Springfield to have its first-ever comedy festival, and especially to have it in his honor, is really exciting,” Richele said.
Richele says the Blue Room wanted to support DeForest the same way he supported Springfield, even shaving his head in memory of Kenny.
“It’s why we all do it,” Richele said. “We all did it for Kenny.”
Mayor McClure said today was a good day to honor a “hometown hero.”
“Our community is very, very proud of him,” McClure said. “Not surprised, but very proud.”
DeForest’s parents, Roger and Pam, say they are amazed by the support from the community.
“Someone’s always come by saying something nice,” Roger DeForest said, “and you shed a tear, but then you share laughter.”
Some of the performers for the DeForeFEST include Hannibal Buress and Liza Treyger. For full event details, click here.
