Stop us if you’ve heard this one: So, the Newport Summer Comedy Series runs for 15 years. Headliners include Amy Schumer, Lewis Black, and Jeff Dunham, among other superstars. It’s considered one of the most popular comedy festivals in the country. And then, out of nowhere, the venue gets sold, and the series gets cancelled indefinitely.
Rim shot.
For Joe Rocco, co-founder and president of the series, there was nothing funny about getting the hook in 2015. Understand, Joe doesn’t have to produce world-class comedy shows. During the day, he’s the eponymous owner of RocJo Productions, a TV production company that has garnered two New England Emmy Awards. But he missed it. And when White’s of Westport agreed to serve as a venue, Joe was all in. The Southcoast Comedy Series was born.
The timing is also perfect, says Joe, given the grave seriousness of our times. “I think there’s a greater need for comedy now than ever. Just turn on the news for 20 minutes. For two hours, you forget about your bills, you forget about your family drama. If you google the health benefits of laughter, there’s research that backs that up. That’s how I became a fan of comedy. I can remember going to the Comedy Connection, and I can remember what a tremendous stress relief it was.”
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