The menu is set for Belly Laughs, a new comedy and food festival in Los Angeles that celebrates Asian American culture.
Set to take place at L.A. Live on July 12-13, Belly Laughs will feature stand-up sets and appearances from 30 comedians and a sampling of more than 20 Asian restaurants from across the city with standout names across both lists. For example, the former includes Hasan Minhaj, Kumail Nanjiani, Margaret Cho, Joel Kim Booster, Nimesh Patel, Sherry Cola, Jonnie Park (Dumbfoundead), Jason Cheny, Irene Tu, Dylan Adler, Sabrina Wu, Jenny Yang, Aaron Chen and others.
The restaurant list, curated by Mama’s Nightmarket, features chef Tuệ Nguyễn and Điđi, Bobapop, Feng Mao, Guzzu Bento-Ya, Holy Basil, and more.
Belly Laughs will be spread across three stages at L.A. Live with support from sponsors like 99 Ranch Market, Martell Cognac, Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey and Asian Comedy Fest. Tickets for the event for all ages are on AXS.com.
“The Belly Laughs festival is an exciting extension of [Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment’s] work championing people, stories and culture,” said Michelle K. Sugihara, CAPE executive director. “We’re honored to be a part of such an incredible celebration to highlight these talented comedians and restaurants.”
Added Mama Nightmarket founder Jared Jue: “We’ve always dreamed of growing Mama’s Nightmarket, but this takes it beyond anything we could have imagined — bringing communities together with incredible flavors, comedians and cultural moments.”
GoldHouse is also involved in the event, and its CEO and co-founder Bing Chen chimed in to say that “we could all use a laugh right now” at this moment in time. Chen added: “We’re so honored to partner on the Belly Laughs festival with so many friends and artistic heroes to further propel the modern comedic renaissance that so many Asian Pacific leaders have led.”
Artist Lineup: Hasan Minhaj, Kumail Nanjiani, Margaret Cho, Zarna Garg, Joel Kim Booster, Nimesh Patel, Sherry Cola, Hari Kondabolu, Asif Ali, Jonnie Park (Dumbfoundead), Andrea Jin, Jason Cheny, Irene Tu, Dylan Adler, Joe Wong, Kiran Deol, Jenny Yang, Helen Hong, Aparna Nancherla, Sabrina Wu, Jes Tom, Tien Tran, Fumi Abe, Robin Tran, Ismael Loutfi, Aaron Chen, Nori Reed, Tatyana Guchi, D’Lo, Paul Ogata, & Yudhi Sharma
Restaurant Lineup: Chef Tuệ Nguyễn & Điđi, Bobapop, Feng Mao, Good Alley, Guzzu Bento-Ya, Hermanos Empanadas, Holy Basil, Kanomwaan Thai Gelato, Kolkata Chai Co, Mayura, Riviera Seafood Club, Tenkatori, & Yum Sະlut
