Jimmy Tingle to Headline Boston Comedy Arts Festival, 9/6

Boston Comedy Legend Jimmy Tingle is one of the headliners of the 5th Annual Boston Comedy Arts Festival. Known as one of the top social and political humorists in America, Tingle takes the stage Friday, September 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $18 for every show and student rush tickets are available for $14 at the door. ImprovBoston is located at 40 Prospect Street. The Brattle Theatre is located at 40 Brattle Street. Tickets to the festival are available online at www.bostoncomedyarts.com.

Jimmy Tingle has worked as a stand-up comic, producer, writer, actor, filmmaker and commentator in several mediums from the early 1980's to the present day. Tingle was born and raised in Cambridge where the social, political and economic diversity of the city laid the groundwork for his development as a performer and satirist. Tingle recently returned to school, earning a master's degree from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. He was selected to give the graduate address at Harvard's 2010 commencement ceremony.

His professional career has spanned nearly three decades. Prior to writing, producing and starring in his first documentary film Jimmy Tingle's American Dream which aired on over 60 PBS affiliates in 2011/12, Tingle completed two seasons with 60 Minutes II on CBS as the humorist and commentator in the "Andy Rooney" spot.

He worked as a contributor and satirist for MSNBC and has appeared on The Tonight Show, CNN, Larry King's Weekend, and Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The American Comedy Awards, as well as his own HBO half hour comedy special. He has also been a guest on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross and was a regular contributor to HEAT with John Hockenberry.

Film credits include consulting and playing a television talk show host on Chris Rock's Head of State. Other film credits include: Next Stop Wonderland,Boondock Saints, and By the Sea.

Tingle has the rare distinction of winning the prestigious "Best of Boston" award as both a performer in 2001 in the stand-up comedy category and as founder, producer and artistic director in 2007 for Jimmy Tingle's OFF BROADWAY Theater in Somerville, Massachusetts.

ImprovBoston is New England's home for comedy. Since 1982, ImprovBoston has used a fresh, funny approach to comedy, showcasing today's best performers and training tomorrow's stars. The premiere place for comedy in New England, ImprovBoston boasts a full calendar of the funniest shows in Boston and nationally-known education and corporate training programs. ImprovBoston is more than just a great Comedy Club-it's a recognized center for the evolving art of comedy. ImprovBoston is a registered 501(c)(3) and has been the New England region's leading theater and school dedicated to teaching and performing all forms of comedy for 30 years.It was voted "Best of Boston" by The Phoenix for 2009-2010, The Improper Bostonian, and The Weekly Dig. ImprovBoston presents a regular selection of the best improv, sketch, and stand-up for all audiences. Through their acclaimed comedy training program, the theater continues to develop the next generation of comedic talent to ensure that the next generation will keep on laughing.

Photo by Ellen Shub