Top-Notch Comedy Fest Raises Funds and Awareness for Farm

Why did the chicken cross the road? Well, it was probably to attend a Queens comedy spectacular hosted at a community art space in honor of an urban farm. This Friday, Sunnyside Comedy will present Funny By Nature, a jokefest with an all-star lineup, at Flux Factory, an artist collective/performance venue in Long Island City. The event’s goal is to raise money and awareness for the Smiling Hogshead Ranch (above), a budding, volunteer-led farm near LaGuardia Community College. More details on the jump page.

Ted Alexandro (above) — a 20-year veteran of the chuckle circuit who has had a few Comedy Central specials and has performed on The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and Jimmy Kimmel Live — headlines the show, which includes such hilarious humans as Frank Liotti, Aparna Nancherla, and Anthony P. DeVito.

Created in 2011, Smiling Hogshead is located at the abandoned, decommissioned MTA rail spur along Skillman Avenue near Pearson Place. “Guerrilla gardeners” grow a variety of herbs and vegetables (tomatoes, spinach, kale), fruit and nut trees, and shrubs at the site, whose infrastructure consists partially of refurbished materials.

Details: Funny By Nature, Flux Factory, 39-21 29th Street, Long Island City, March 27th, 8 pm, $20 online/$25 at the door.

Top photo: Smiling Hogshead Ranch; bottom photo: Ted Alexandro