Congressional Cemetery is hosting the Summerween Comedy Show by the Just Kidding Comedy Collective! Halloween is coming early, and we invite guests to experience an evening of humor in a unique setting that only HCC can offer.
But don’t just take our word for it – here’s what the Just Kidding Comedy Collective has to say:
It’s hot ghoul summer! Do the fright thing and get into the Summerween spirit with a killer lineup of local comedians in the (air-conditioned!) Congressional Cemetery Chapel. Wear your spookiest summer style and come early to grab some boo(!)ze and explore the grounds – we’re dying to see you there.
– Headliner Griefcat with Violet Gray, Kade Wonders, Jelani Wills, Maddie Pickens, and host Dana Fleitman!
Doors and bar open one hour before the start time. Come early and walk the cemetery with a self-guided tour, then grab a drink and an ice cream treat (no tricks, we promise!) The show run is about 90 minutes.
This show is recommended for ages 18 and up.
Alcohol will be for sale. ID will be checked upon entry.
This event takes place inside HCC’s chapel, seating arrangement is first come first serve.
Find tickets here!
Griefcat
A genre-defying, musical comedy duo known for their witty, incisive lyrics, infectious sound, and the rare ability to make you laugh, cry, and question your life choices – all in a single chorus. Griefcat emerged in 2019 as the brainchild of Annie Nardolilli and Louisa Hall, two songwriters from Washington, DC whose shared wit and undeniable musical chemistry made their collaboration feel like fate. Griefcat builds on influences from Tenacious D to Dolly Parton and beyond, infusing the result with a healthy dose of campiness and a talent for tongue-in-cheek sociopolitical commentary — a winning combination that has earned them the backing of a diverse and growing fanbase, a standing ovation from Simon Cowell, 150m+ social media views, and critical acclaim from outlets including The Washington Post over a string of releases and electric live gigs to date.
Violet Gray
Featured on Night Train with Wyatt Cenac, Violet Gray’s comedy is characterized by bizarre observations on everything from race, gender and politics, to sci-fi, fantasy and tabletop roleplaying games. Game master of the Laughfinder podcast, Violet Gray’s humor combines things geeky and political with the experiences of being the only gender non-conforming Dungeons and Dragons player in northwest Baltimore.
Maddie Pickens
Maddie Pickens is a DC-based comedian who grew up as an Air Force brat and lived all over the United States. This means she never quite knows how to answer the “Where are you from?” question, but does have years of practice with joking about her abandonment issues, which is almost as useful. Her style of humor is a direct manifestation of her inattentive ADHD: dry, cerebral, and quietly chaotic. Maddie got her start through the Just Kidding Comedy Collective Incubator program and has performed with a variety of local production groups, including Grassroots Comedy, Improbable Comedy, Zoo Animal Productions, and Cheers Comedy.
Jelani Wills
Hailing from Washington, DC, Jelani delivers witty and honest takes on subjects ranging from Pokémon to politics. As a private school grad and loyal Kwanzaa Celebrator, Jelani brings audiences a unique perspective. Jelani has performed at various comedy clubs, and theaters throughout the country including The Comedy Store , DC Improv, Magoobys Joke House, State Theater, and The Church of Satire.
Kade Wonders
Kade Wonders is your little brother, your big brother, and your lesbian aunt packed into one pint sized package. They use their playful and disarming sense of humor to bring audiences together to laugh about gender, masculinity, and the goofiness of everyday life.
They’re a regular performer at Don’t Tell Comedy around Virginia and Maryland, and have performed at the DC Improv, DC Comedy Loft, The Elysian Theater, Rogue Island Comedy Festival, and Vermont Comedy Festival. They’ve opened for headliners including Nico Carney, Heather Shaw, and Michael Yo.
Dana Fleitman (host)
Dana Fleitman is a Washington, D.C. area comedienne who brings laughter to the joyless masses of our nation’s capital through her imaginative over-analysis of everyday life. Clever and sarcastic, Dana will merrily pontificate on groundbreaking and original topics like her pug, driving, and eating. Dana comes from a nonprofit background and is excited to lend her voice to less important issues.
Dana founded the Just Kidding Comedy Collective, is the regular host of PUN DMV (the DC Improv’s quarterly pun contest), and created the Standup Comedy Incubator for Underrepresented Genders (an original program empowering new and aspiring non-male comedians to pick up the mic). She’s opened for touring comedians including Paul Virzi and Bengt Washburn, joined Zach Sherwin on The Crossword Show, and has performed at venues and festivals across the country.
