Performances by Lewis Black, Bill Burr, Dane Cook, Billy Gardell and J.B. Smoove, With More Stars to be Announced
Hosted by Steve Schirripa
The Theater at Madison Square Garden
Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 8:00 PM
Tickets On Sale Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 10:00AM
NEW YORK, Dec. 4, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MSG Entertainment (MSGE) and The Garden of Dreams Foundation are proud to announce the return of Garden of Laughs – the wildly successful all-star comedy benefit first held in 2013. This year's show, featuring some of the biggest names in comedy, will take place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 8:00 p.m., with all net proceeds going directly to Garden of Dreams.
Some of the biggest names in comedy -- Lewis Black, Bill Burr, Dane Cook, Billy Gardell, and J.B. Smoove -- are confirmed to participate in this one-night-only event – with more stars to be announced. Steve Schirripa, known for his memorable performance in "The Sopranos" and a long-time supporter of the Foundation, will host the evening. Joining the celebrated comedic lineup will be an esteemed list of entertainment and sports icons who will serve as presenters for this special evening. Garden of Laughs is Executive Produced by Emmy Award-winning television producer and talent manager Rory Rosegarten.
The Garden of Dreams Foundation is a non-profit organization that works with The Madison Square Garden Company to bring the magic of MSG – including MSG Entertainment, the Knicks, Rangers, Liberty and MSG Networks – to children facing obstacles. Over the last eight years, Garden of Dreams has brought joy and happiness to more than 250,000 children and their families.
The Foundation works with 25 partner organizations throughout the tri-state area – including hospitals, wish organizations and community-based organizations – to reach children who are facing challenges such as homelessness, extreme poverty, illness and foster care. Driven by its commitment to truly change lives, Garden of Dreams conducts more than 500 events each year. Through its Garden of Dreams Giving program, the foundation also provides resources to its partner organizations to help them meet critical needs in their service to children. This includes direct support of scholarships, and tangible, targeted community projects such as hospital refurbishments and community center refurbishments.
"I am honored to host Garden of Laughs, which will feature some of the funniest stars in comedy today," said Mr. Schirripa. "I have seen the impact of the Garden of Dreams Foundation up-close for several years now, and I can't think of a better charity to support with a night of non-stop laughs. Fans of comedy should not miss this event."
The 2013 Garden of Laughs was a sold-out smash, raising almost $1 million – the most successful fundraiser in the eight-year history of the Foundation. The inaugural event was hosted by Bob Costas and featured comedians Ray Romano, Wanda Sykes, Robert Klein, Brian Regan, Darrell Hammond and Adam Ferrera, along with a full lineup of celebrity presenters, including Ben Stiller, Whoopi Goldberg, Brooke Shields, John Leguizamo and Darryl "DMC" McDaniels.
"The first-ever Garden of Laughs in 2013 was an evening that had an unbelievable turnout of stars and comedians – and more of the same can be expected on March 28," said Rory Rosegarten, who will be returning as Executive Producer for the 2015 Garden of Laughs. "We're excited to bring the comedy community together again to help benefit Garden of Dreams. I am thrilled to continue to support this Foundation and give the audience a night filled with laughter."
"We also want to thank Steven Mazzilli, Chris Mazzilli, Robert Hartmann, Rick Dorfman and Matt Frost for their sincere efforts in support of Garden of Laughs," said Rory and Barry Watkins, executive vice president of communications and administration for The Madison Square Garden Company and Garden of Dreams board member. "When they were contacted about the event and learned about the work of the Foundation, they enthusiastically volunteered to donate their time to help ensure this special evening is equally as successful as the inaugural event in 2013. We are incredibly grateful to have them on board to help create what we know will be an unforgettable night."
For tickets and more information on Garden of Laughs, visit www.gardenoflaughs.com. Tickets range from $50 to $130. Public on sale begins Saturday, December 13 at 10:00 a.m. and will be available through Ticketmaster Charge By Phone (1-866-858-0008) and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets will also be available at the box offices at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre beginning Sunday, December 14 at 12:00p.m.
The Garden of Dreams Foundation
The Garden of Dreams Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity that works with The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) to positively impact the lives of children facing obstacles. Through ongoing programs that use the magic of MSG – including the Knicks, the Rangers, the Liberty, MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks – the Foundation develops strong, long-term relationships that truly change lives. Since its inception in September 2006, Garden of Dreams has created thousands of once-in-a-lifetime experiences that have brought joy and happiness to more than 250,000 children and their families, including those facing homelessness, extreme poverty, illness and foster care. For more information, visit www.GardenofDreamsFoundation.org
The Madison Square Garden Company logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=15647
The Garden of Laughs logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=29469
CONTACT: MSG Entertainment Press Contacts:
Mikyl Cordova / 212-631-4337
mikyl.cordova@msg.com
Anna McKean / 212-631-4329
anna.mckean@msg.com
