BCF at Mobtown: Comedy to Benefit Autism Awareness

Over April Fool's weekend, Friday, March 30 through Sunday, April 1, 2007, Baltimore's top standup comics, improv troupes and others will join together to raise laughter and support in kicking off Autism Awareness Month.

In its second year, Baltimore Comedy Fest creator Greg Hall has assembled seven different comedy shows over the three day span. Comics will perform at the Mobtown Theater in Hampden, with a special kickoff show by 98 Rock's Mickey Cucchiella at the Comedy Factory in downtown Baltimore.

"We're very excited to have these venues helping our cause," says Hall. "I'm hoping by our third or fourth year, we have clubs and theaters all across Maryland getting involved with the BCF. Spending an entire weekend laughing and fighting autism statewide would be quite a feat."

Autism is considered a spectrum disorder affecting one out of every 150 children born today.  Currently there is no cure for this mysterious and often misdiagnosed condition.  Common symptoms include delayed speech, repetitive gestures, poor social skills, and trouble coping with change or frustration. Unusual behaviors and tantrums are often the only visible signs of autism.

The father of an autistic son himself, Hall and his family know first hand the hardships that come with the disability. "Our son is a teenager now in middle school and its obvious to everyone he's just different. But when I think of how much he's overcome and how hard he's worked, it's amazing how much difference one teacher, one parent, one friend can make. No one should have to struggle with autism alone. Awareness is the first step."

The beneficiary of the annual Baltimore Comedy Fest is Pathfinders for Autism, based in Towson, Maryland. Pathfinders for Autism is a non-profit organization that provides support for the development of lifespan services, raises funds for autism research, and provides information and resources for families with children affected by autism. 

Event producer Greg Hall has been involved in professional comedy for over 25 years. Performers to be featured at the 2007 Fest include popular Maryland headliners Michael Aronin, Kelly Terranova and Doug Powell and Baltimore's premiere comedy improv troupe, The Early Monday Morning Show.

There are two shows on Friday, 8pm and 10pm, three shows on Saturday, 7pm, 9pm and 11pm and a Grande Finale at 7pm on Sunday. Tickets are $15 and can be bought online in advance. The special Mickey Cucchiella BCF show is on Thursday, March 29th and tickets can be bought through the Comedy Factory.

Further information about the Baltimore Comedy Fest can be found at www.baltimorecomedyfest.com or through www.pathfindersforautism.org.

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