High Mud Comedy Fest

Our annual salute to a few funny things will gather world champion comedians to enlighten us with humor in this heightened moment. Come for laugh-filled workshops, wickedly mocking museum tours, and hilarious musical interludes.

You might know Judah Friedlander from 30 Rock or Wet Hot American Summer — or, if you’re savvy, from his recent Netflix special America Is the Greatest Country in the United States — a sharp look at racism, sexism, imperialism, healthcare, immigration, gun control, the environment, and brunch.

Judah comes to North Adams with all new material in advance of his next, as-yet-untitled comedy special. “I try to make my act so it works for everybody. It’s not exclusionary. I’m not in any clique. I’m an outsider. I’m a comedian for the people.”

Over the last year, comedy club veteran Michelle Buteau’s cheeky swagger and out-sized personality have flooded radio waves and television screens. She’s the honorary third Dope Queen and hosts her own hilarious WNYC podcast, Late Night Whenever. You’ll recognize her as “The Crazy Girlfriend” on Key & Peele and from comedy specials like Comedy Line Up and Comedy Knockout. Michelle was a breakout star on Fox’s Enlisted, is a series regular on the hotly-anticipated First Wives Club series, and has an upcoming star turn in the Netflix continuation of Armistead Maupin’s cult classic Tales of the City (alongside Laura Linney and Ellen Page). Catch this rising star at MASS MoCA, on the verge of her super-stardom.

Chicago’s famed improvisational comedy troupe, The Second City, has boosted the careers of countless comedy icons — Bill Murray, Steve Carrell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Jordan Peele, and Stephen Colbert — the current roster are here at High Mud leading a workshop to help you hone your best bits. Workshops fill fast on the day of the show.

James Adomian is the High Mud host for the weekend. Adomian is a comedian and actor well known for his stand-up, characters, and impressions. As Bernie Sanders, James is one-half of TRUMP VS. BERNIE, a comedy debate act that includes a memorable guest appearance on Comedy Central and two TV specials for Fusion, as well as a live international tour in 2016.

Sarah Squirm is a Chicago-based comedian who has become known for her unconventional and popular show, Helltrap Nightmare. One of Vulture’s recent “Comics To Watch,” Sarah starred in FLAYAWAY, a new late-night infomercial for Adult Swim which aired last December.

Catherine Cohen is a comedian and voiceover artist living in Brooklyn. She hosts a weekly show at Alan Cumming’s new East Village cabaret with music from Henry Koperski, as well as the monthly variety show “It’s A Guy Thing” – listed as one of Paste Magazine’s “10 Best Alt Comedy Shows in New York City.” Her writing has been featured on Splitsider, The New Yorker, The Huffington Post and New York Mag‘s The Cut.

Boston-based songwriter Sidney Gish wraps up scintillating lyrics and internet kitsch in infectious pop music. Her sophomore album, No Dogs Allowed, was released in 2017 to critical acclaim for Gish’s sharp wit and irresistible hooks.

Cocoon Central Dance Team
Born out of extreme friendship and a romance with choreography, Cocoon has been a New York City comedy regular since 2009 with appearances at Upright Citizens Brigade, The Chris Gethard Show (TruTV), MoMA PS1 and for some reason, the opening ceremony of the New York City Marathon. Help us welcome Sunita Mani, Tallie Medel, and Eleanore Pienta to North Adams!

What to Expect

It’s a festival! Take your time exploring North Adams and MASS MoCA; you never know where laughs might pop up throughout the weekend. The museum galleries are open from 11am-5pm, and museum admission is included with your High Mud Comedy Fest tickets. Food from our museum café is available throughout the day. There are delicious dining options in downtown North Adams or find a nosh right here on our museum campus: Lickety Split Cafe, Gramercy Bistro, Bright Ideas Brewing, and A-oK Berkshire Barbeque are all ready to serve you.

The venue, MASS MoCA’s Hunter Center, is general admission. Preferred ticket seats are located in the first rows of the venue — and are available first come, first served within that section. For more information about venue policies click here.

All tickets are non-refundable.

Word to the wise: High Mud sometimes gets dirty. This festival is best suited for audiences 16 and up.