Stand-up mom Tammy Pescatelli will showcase her comedic talents at the Reg Lenna Civic Center on Friday at 8 p.m. where she will be joined by host and musical guest Lucie Arnaz, daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
Pescatelli was the winner of Comedy Central's Stand-up Showdown 2010 and is currently the star of the reality television show "A Stand Up Mother," based in Meadville, Pa. Originally hailing from Cleveland, the move to rural Pennsylvania wasn't too much of a culture shock for Pescatelli, who had been living in Los Angeles for a number of years.
"I had the house in Meadville for four years before the move as a getaway house because I have relatives in the area," said Pescatelli. "So, I was familiar with it, but to have it be my primary residence now is a little daunting. Not having a close airport is difficult since my career (takes me) all over."
Article Photos
Tammy Pescatelli
Pescatelli, whose been in funny business for the last 18 years, hasn't had any difficulty finding material since the move either.
"That's actually what my whole act is about right now. It's called 'Finding the Funny,'" said Pescatelli. "No matter what you do, you can find the funny. And, at home it works because before I had a career, now I have a life. So, when I'm home I'm mommy; I'm my husband's wife, and then when I go on the road that's when comedy kicks in, and I think about everything we've been through so I can talk about it on stage."
Pescatelli's career as a comedian led her to be featured on "A Stand Up Mother," the WE tv show that she co-created, executive produced, wrote and starred in. Sixteen episodes of the show were shot in Meadville, Pa. and according to Pescatelli, it acted as a wonderful catalyst.
Fact Box
LUCY COMEDY FEST FEATURED ACTS
Billy Gardell, from CBS's hit show Mike & Molly. will be performing in The Reg Lenna Civic Center, in Jamestown on Saturday, Aug. 4.
Lucie Arnaz, daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, will be the musical guest and host of the Stand-Up Showcase on Friday, Aug. 3. Tammy Pescatelli, winner of Comedy Central's 2010 Stand-Up Showdown and a finalist on NBC's Last Comic Standing 2, will be the featured comedian and joined by Tony Deyo and Baron Vaughn.
Paula Poundstone, one of Comedy Central's 100 Greatest Comedians of All-Time and panelist on NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me will headline the Thursday, Aug. 2 evening.
Kid's comedy includes the critically acclaimed comedy troupe, Story Pirates, seen on CNN's Larry King, NBC's "Today," and recently live on stage with Conan O'Brien. The Story Pirates have chosen four different stories written by Jamestown children, and will be performing each one at the Reg Lenna on Aug. 4.
Gregg Oppenheimer, son of I Love Lucy creator Jess Oppenheimer, returns to Jamestown to direct a Live "Lucy" Radio Show on Saturday, Aug. 4.
Late Night Comedy will be held in the Tropicana Room at the Lucy Desi Center on Aug. 3-4 at 10:30 p.m. Some of the hottest rising comedians from across the country will converge in Jamestown for a night of new, and sometimes blue, material.
"To me, Meadville, Pennsylvania was like New York in Sex in the City except just a little slower," said Pescatelli.
As far as comedy festivals go, this won't be Pescatelli's first. She's been to a number of others such as: Montreal's Just For Laughs, The Brisbane Australia Comedy Fest, The Cat Laughs in Kilkenny, Ireland and Chicago's Just For Laughs. However, she's never had the opportunity to perform at the comedy festival that celebrates the life and works of one of the most famous female comedians of all time, the Lucy Comedy Fest.
"Festivals are always fun because it's great energy for comedians," said Pescatelli. "But, Jamestown has such a reverence for Lucy and I am a huge fan as well. As a matter of fact that's how I was able to sell our show 'A Stand Up Mother' because I said it was just like 'I love Lucy' except I'm Desi and my husband is always trying to get in the act. So, I feel that I share a special connection with her."
Although she didn't get to perform at last year's festival, she was there. Pescatelli hosted the Guinness World Record attempt for "Most People Dressed as Lucy Ricardo" in celebration of the show's 100th birthday.
"I stood outside for five hours and got heatstroke. No press, but I was there and it was really cool," said Pescatelli.
But, this year Pescatelli is getting the press and the opportunity to perform in conjunction with a comedian who has been an inspiration to her throughout her career, Paula Poundstone.
"I'm a huge, huge fan of hers," said Pescatelli. "We did another comedy festival in North Carolina that she was amazing, brilliant and did two hours of material that you couldn't look away from. She's actually one of my biggest influences. Billy Gardell will also be there and he's one of my good friends as well."
Pescatelli is looking forward to having a lot of fun at the festival, especially since she'll be bringing along her friend and up-and-coming comedian Tony Deyo to compliment the performance. Lucie Arnaz's musical guest appearance will also be a boon to the show, according to Pescatelli.
"Isn't that amazing. Who's better than me, but Lucie Arnaz?" said Pescatelli.
In addition to looking forward to the festival, Pescatelli also can't wait to experience the new addition of the 20k audio guide tour narrated by Lucie Arnaz at the Lucy Desi Museum.
"I love the museum; I went through it three times last time I was there, because every time you go through you catch something new," said Pescatelli.
To purchase tickets for specific seats, call 484-0800 or 1-877-LUCY-FAN. The Reg Lenna Civic Center Theater is located at 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown. For more information visit lucycomedyfest.com.