G-Sync - About Those Smiles...

"A man walks into a bar"

How many times have we heard this classic stand-up comedian line? Although we know for all its lack of originality, it is the punch line that makes all the difference.

And making a difference is exactly what will happen when Gilda's Club Grand Rapids launches a new festival in Grand Rapids.

LaughFest is a 10-day festival devoted to making us laugh. Some of the brightest comedians in the world, including comedians Bill Cosby, Betty White, Mike Birbiglia and Kathleen Madigan, along with other humor-based entertainment choices from Dan Zane and Friends to laughter yoga to guest comic authors will arrive in the GRR to place laughter in the center spotlight at more than 20 venues around Grand Rapids.

The festival will also feature plenty of programming where you have the chance to make us laugh, too.  Even funny pet contests will be a part of LaughFest.

Studies have shown that laughter is not only good for us, but we should laugh more often. It boosts our immunity, decreases our pain and brings about relaxation. When people laugh a lot, it creates a buffer against life-threatening diseases and can positively change our mental outlook.

Laughter is especially useful for bringing us together as a community. That is what Gilda Radner did best when she was alive.

LaughFest, in a way, is a picture perfect tribute not only to Gilda's funny characters on Saturday Night Live, but also a reminder of her many film roles that made us laugh out loud in the theater.

LaughFest will also complement Gilda's Club Grand Rapids, whose mission over the years has expanded their range of services providing free cancer and grief support for our community's children, adults and families.

For years we have said that laughter is the best medicine. Now, scientific studies suggest it is true. I also know that laughter is part of a powerful emotion that springs from our soul. The great comedian Victor Borge said, "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." I believe that.

This past weekend, people in Grand Rapids embraced the smiley face signs that popped up all over town. And in a world where so much pain and suffering seems to capture all the headlines, it is nice to know our community welcomes "a little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants."  Chuckles the Clown really did say it best.  

When LaughFest debuts in March of 2011, we will all have something to laugh about, just for the health of it.

If you cannot wait until March 2011 to release some laughter, then please consider attending the Wealthy Theatre's sing-a-long version of the classic feel-good movie, "The Wizard of Oz."  I dare you not to laugh when they begin to sing about the Lollipop Guild.  Click here for advance tickets.

The Future Needs All of Us (to laugh for the health of it).


Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor

Email:  [email protected]
Twitter: @TommyGSync
Hash Tag:  #LaughFest

Click here to see this week's G-Sync entertainment listing

Publisher's note:  In June of 2010, Tommy did indeed walk into a bar and meet with a member of Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids. One hour later he was on board, working to bring LaughFest to our city.

Tommy went on to become a part of a talent search team made up of local faces -- people who have spent their careers making people in our region laugh and smile.  

For 10 years, Tommy has been a vocal supporter of Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids and Rapid Growth is honored that he has been selected to be part of bringing LaughFest to our community.




Photo of Tommy Allen at Graydon's Crossing provided by Brian Kelly of Brian Kelly Photography, 2010.