Comedian Tig Notaro curated and headlines the 2014 Bentzen Ball, which begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday. Ed. Note: The article below makes reference to a performance that was scheduled for Saturday, October 4, featuring Rosie O’Donnell. Due to a family emergency, O’Donnell’s performance was cancelled after the interview was conducted.
By all measures, the District’s comedy scene is on the upswing. There’s been a marked increase in the local comedy talent pool, and like many of the other arts communities in this incredibly pricey area, there’s a strong DIY ethic. Comedians aren’t waiting for gigs at marquee clubs or opportunities to present themselves, and open mics seem to be popping up everywhere. That said, big name events always help, and the local scene got a boost in 2009 when the Bentzen Ball came to town.
The festival took a hiatus, but returned in 2013, with this year’s iteration beginning tomorrow and running through Sunday. Brightest Young Things has presented all three festivals with comedian Tig Notaro curating the lineup. This year’s Bentzen Ball features a mix of big names, rising stars and local talent, including a headlining bill with Notaro. Other notable performers include Reggie Watts, Rob Corddry, Wyatt Cenac and D.C. area native Aparna Nancherla.
Notaro herself had a steadily increasing profile over the late naughts and into this decade with memorable appearances on Conan and This American Life. In 2013, she experienced personal turmoil, including a battle with breast cancer, that was documented on her album, Live. Louis C.K. famously called that set, taped at an L.A. club, “masterful” and one of the best he had ever seen. Notaro’s career has since taken off.
Notaro took time out of her busy schedule while on tour in Europe to answer some questions from DCist about the Bentzen Ball and her career.
DCist: What goes into curating a comedy festival? Does it have to do more with the personality of the comics or were there themes that you wanted to hit?
Notaro: This is the third year I have done this festival, and thus far, I have tried to always have a good amount of big names, some up-and-coming comics that I think are really talented, and some great local D.C. acts as well. I feel like we’ve always put together a really solid festival that we’re all very, very proud of.
DCist: How did you first become involved with the Bentzen Ball, and what has brought you back for the past two years?
Notaro: I had been to a couple of festivals that were horribly organized and even treated artists poorly, to the point that I thought I should take it upon myself to put a festival together that was fun and treated people well. My friend Jeff Jetton worked for BYT and I thought it would be a great match. The idea was they could handle some of the logistical and technical aspects of putting this on, as they are versed and have experience with events. I could be involved as a curator and contribute ideas of how we can make this festival different than all others, especially being i have experienced all other festivals as a performer. It’s been a perfect marriage with a few needed bumps and growth spurts along the way.
DCist: You went through a rough patch that was hilariously and poignantly documented on your Live album. Since then, your career has been on an upswing. Was it difficult reconciling success with the fact that it came out of a dark period? And now that things are going well, has your outlook or worldview changed at all?
Notaro: Even though I had been going through a tough stretch, the more I have thought about it, the more it feels like this success, more than anything, came from stand-up, something I love and have been working hard at for many years. Many people experience tough stretches, maybe not to that degree. My disposition toward life before all of this was mostly positive. I always felt like a lucky person who had a great life. I guess even more so now though I am even more mindful and cognizant of how short life is and how important it is to be present and enjoy what you are doing and who you share your time with.
DCist: Who are some of the performers that you are particularly excited about at this years festival? Another way of asking that, as audience members, who are some of the lesser known comics that we should keep an eye on?
Notaro: I am extremely excited to be performing with and interviewing Rosie O’Donnell live on stage. And I’m really, really excited about D.C. seeing my old friends Henry Phillips, Ron Funches and the improv group, Wild Horses. The festival is truly packed with the best of the best. Not one show will steer you wrong. Also, the Shake Shack has free ice cream for Bentzen Ball-goers. Go get your scoop of Choc Full of Laughs.
DCist: I’m sure you’re keeping quite busy nowadays, so what are some of the projects you have going?
Notaro: I recently finished a short film of mine called Clown Service. I also just finished shooting a project for Showtime, where I tour the country performing in the homes of fans. The project is set to air early next year. Also, I am writing a book that is also due out possibly next summer. And have a few other film and television projects I am working on that are still a bit top secret right now.
DCist: Do you foresee continuing your relationship with the Bentzen Ball?
Notaro: Yes, D.C. is an amazing city and I hope to continue to do the festival each year.
DCist: Do you have any experiences with D.C., professionally or otherwise, that stand out?
Notaro: Both. I think perhaps the first year I did the festival may have been a stand-out for me. It felt like I was at summer camp with all my comic friends, and was just a memorable experience. All around, my times in D.C. have been great, and one of the reasons I wanted to have the festival held there each year.
The Bentzen Ball runs from October 1 to 5 at various venues. Full ticket and schedule information is available here.
