Across the United States, comedy thrives in countless pockets — from the late-night clubs of New York to the alternative stages of Los Angeles and the storied improv theaters of Chicago. But for two nights this past weekend, the epicenter of stand-up shifted to Oakland, where comics from around the world gathered for the 7th Annual Oakland Comedy Festival — a vibrant congregation of diverse voices, unique perspectives and, above all, an undying desire to make audiences laugh, or at least, for one night, forget the world’s woes.
Boasting over 30 comedians across six local venues, from back-alley comedy clubs to packed restaurants, the festival served as a platform for unheard voices: hardworking comics juggling day jobs; navigating different cultural experiences; and channeling their educational, artistic and personal backgrounds into their craft. Together, they gave Oakland a citywide celebration of humor, resilience and the shared joy only live comedy can deliver.
As I arrived at one of Saturday’s offerings, an 8 p.m. show hosted by Comedy Oakland at the Jamaican restaurant Calabash, I was immediately thrown into its lively atmosphere. The lineup featured Ira Summer, Samson Koletkar, Fast Ronald, Tanya Sabrina, Janan and Bernice Ye. The space buzzed with conversation and laughter as I found a spot on a couch facing a simple Comedy Oakland backdrop and a lone mic stand — an intimate setup for an equally intimate night.
After a brief introduction and opening set from Summer, the night’s first comic and emcee, the evening kicked off with Austin-based comedian Fast Ronald. Sporting a long braid, a head full of tattoos and a flannel shirt, he wryly opened: “I love this place because they let me in.” His set moved through sharp jokes about the economy and AI, and humble brags about how, despite coming from a rough background, he now has car insurance and a valid address. His relatability and dry wit made him an instant crowd-pleaser.
Following up was Canadian-born, Denver-based comedian Tanya Sabrina, a self-proclaimed comedy lover with a Ph.D. in physics. “I gave up healthcare to come here and do comedy,” she remarked with a mix of disbelief and pride. On stage, she delivered her set with polished clarity, lampooned modern dating and being a woman in comedy while working in quantum computing and slipped in a few impressions along the way.
Next was author and stand-up comedian Janan, whose zany energy, existential rants and quirky observations, delivered with unmistakable Southern charm and a thick Texas accent, had the audience in a whirlwind of laughter. Fittingly, she’s currently opening for your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian, Maria Bamford.
Closing out the night was LA-based Chinese comic Bernice Ye, dressed in a tropical-patterned suit and punctuating her jokes with dynamic physicality. From a high kick describing her Taekwondo lessons — “I didn’t want to learn martial arts at first because I didn’t want to be a stereotype. I’m already super smart” — to expressive hand gestures and playful dance moves throughout, Ye was quite the performer. Her set also touched on her upbringing during China’s one-child policy and her experience as the only Asian person in rural Washington during the coronavirus pandemic — an insightful addition to an evening of brilliant comedy, just before we reached the night’s closer.
Bay Area’s Samson Koletkar, a self-described “single Asian dad — or SAD for short,” brought the show home with astute commentary on politics, racism, parenting and marriage — a topical medley. But his jokes about Bay Area life hit hardest. A longtime local, originally from Fremont and now living in Hayward, Koletkar had the crowd laughing with spot-on observations about the quirks of regional life and bridge tolls. “If you want to get out of the East Bay,” he quipped, “it’ll cost you.”
An enjoyable night and a vibrant comedic experience, the Oakland Comedy Festival is a worthwhile outing for both Bay Area locals and visitors. It’s a chance to discover fresh voices, support emerging talent and share in the joy of live comedy among a crowd of kindred spirits. Likely to return around this time next year, it’s not to be missed.