The inaugural Cleveland Comedy Festival

A nation's comedy eyes may mostly be focused on New York City this weekend, but don't let that stop the fine folks from Cleveland from mounting their first-ever Cleveland Comedy Festival this weekend, with shows last night and today at the Hermit Club. Wait. You're wondering why this fest isn't at the Improv or at Hilarities? Michael McIntyre, who writes a weekly comedy column for the city's Plain Dealer, explains.

Among the notable comedians with ties to Cleveland, McIntyre notes: Bob Hope, Drew Carey, Arsenio Hall, Pat McCormick, Fred Willard, Martin Mull, Patricia Heaton, Carol Kane, Teri Garr, Jack Riley, Molly Shannon, Tim Conway, Steve Harvey, John Henton, Don Novello, Andy Borowitz and Steve O'Donnell. Also off the top of my head: Tammy Pescatelli, Basile, Ray DeVito, Jim Tews, Rob O'Reilly, and The Apiary's founding editor, Nate Sloan. So here's wishing Cleveland well as they celebrate their place in the heritage of funny!