Best Comics in the Mitten!

A recent transplant to Michigan, Esteban Touma is a teacher, writer, and comedian adjusting to life in the U.S. His comedy has been featured on Comedy Central, NPR, Sirius XM, and The Moth. He has worked with director Judd Apatow and comics such as Roy Wood Jr., Mark Normand, Rory Scovel, and Michelle Wolf, among others. Esteban was invited to perform in Clusterfest in San Francisco, at the NBC Second City Break Out Festival in Chicago, and at the Comedy on State “Best of the Midwest” showcase. The U.S. Government officially declared him an “authorized legal alien with a reentry permit.” 

 Nicole Melnyk (Lansing)

​​Voted Lansing’s best comic of ’21, ’22, and ’23 (!) and 4-time Laughfest comic Nicole Melnyk brings high energy, an inimitable style, and hiiiigh energy to any stage she’s on! This croc’d comedy crusader has performed at mostly all the Michigan comedy club stages—including, but not limited to, The Independent Comedy Club, Detroit House of Comedy, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Dr. Grins, and the Ann Arbor Showcase. Nicole has also marked her comedy territory in Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Austin, Utah at Wiseguys Comedy Club, Indiana at Summit City Comedy Club, and even Canada at the Windsor Comedy Club. Nicole has opened for NY’s  Emma Willmann, Hannah Berner at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, Esther Povitsky at the Majestic Theatre in Detroit, Lucas Zelnick, and Brian Posehn.

Michael Bussler (Grand Rapids)

Michael Bussler is a Michigan-based stand-up who has performed at comedy clubs all around the Midwest. He’s a regular feature at Laughfest and has a new special “Live at Home.”

Jacob Russell (Detroit)

Jacob Russell is a Detroit comedian, improviser, and writer at the helm of projects including the improv/stand-up showcase “I Ain’t No Joke” and his one-man show, “Birth of Ho’ Ass Nation.” Jacob is a resident cast member at Go Comedy! Improv Theater and home team member at Planet Ant. He’s also a sneaker enthusiast.

Pat Sievert (Lansing)

Pat Sievert sees things in a way you’ve never considered, but it’s a perspective you’ll never forget. He’s honed his charmingly quirky, wickedly funny material with diligent road work, appearing at festivals across the country (Alaska B4UDIE, Motor City, and Savage Henry to name a few). In 2019, he won the prestigious Funniest Person in Grand Rapids Competition and recorded his debut album, “I Do What I Want Now.”  Whether it’s an indie DIY show or an A-list comedy club, Pat is a refreshing new voice that stands out from the crowd.