Providence, RI – January 21, 2025 –  Lil Rhody Laugh Riot, Rhode Island’s new four-day comedy festival taking over Providence from March 27 - 30, announced that comedy powerhouses Matt Rife and Jonathan Van Ness are joining the already stacked lineup of electric performers. Also, bringing their signature humor to the Capital City is Ashley Gavin, who joins Melissa Villaseñor and Sophie Buddle for “Triple the Laughs” at The VETS, as well as Des Bishop, performing for one night only at the Comedy Connection. 

Anchored at the legendary Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS) in Providence and branching out to stages across the city, including the Providence Performing Arts Center and RI Comedy Connection, this multi-day comedy showdown will deliver a symphony of laughs, unfiltered mayhem, and razor-sharp mic drops. Below are details on the newly added performances: 

• Des Bishop: Thursday March 27 at 7:30pm – Comedy Connection
• Matt Rife: Saturday March 29 and Sunday March 30 at 7:00pm – Comedy Connection
• Ashley Gavin: Saturday March 29 at 7:00pm as part of Triple The Laughs – The VETS
• Jonathan Van Ness: Saturday March 29 at 9:45pm – The VETS

Previously announced headliners set to bring the laughs are Kevin Hart, Michael Blaustein, Leslie Jones, Aziz Ansari, and Hannah Berner along with Josh Johnson, Melissa Villaseñor, Tone Bell, Sophie Buddle, Alec Flynn, and Andy Woodhull. 

In conjunction with the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot, the inaugural Providence Culinary Collective will take place the same weekend in various locations across the city. Presented by the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB), this first-of-its-kind food and wine festival will honor Providence’s culinary legacy while reflecting the city’s brand - modern, inclusive and cool. 

Tickets are available now at https://www.lilrhodylaughriot.com/. Mark your calendar, grab some friends and prepare for a weekend full of comedy, connections, and laughter that makes the world feel a lil’ bit lighter. 

Follow Lil Rhody Laugh Riot on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X.

About Lil Rhody Laugh Riot

Lil Rhody Laugh Riot is Rhode Island’s premier comedy festival, delivering big laughs to the smallest state. Presented by the Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS), the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), and Professional Facilities Management (PFM), this four-day celebration highlights comedy in all its forms. Anchored at The VETS and extending to satellite venues including the Providence Performing Arts Center and RI Comedy Connection, Lil Rhody Laugh Riot offers expertly crafted humor, sharp wit, and a dose of self-deprecating charm for every comedy enthusiast. From stand-up to improv and everything in between, this festival promises unforgettable entertainment and a true riot of laughter in the heart of Providence.

About Matt Rife

Comedian/Actor/Producer/Writer/and NY Times Best Selling Author Matt Rife has cemented himself as one of biggest stand ups in the world through his chart-topping Netflix specials and his remarkable engagement on social media where he has amassed over 40.3 million followers, and more than 3 billion views globally.  

About Jonathan Van Ness
Jonathan Van Ness is an Emmy-nominated television personality, 2x New York Times best-selling author, podcaster, comedian and hairstylist to the stars. He stars on Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning reboot series “Queer Eye,” where he shines as the hair guru and self-care advocate, and he is the host and executive producer of the Netflix series “Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness,” based on Jonathan’s popular podcast of the same name. 

 

###