One has to be a contrarian to live and stay in Michigan these days. Michiganders are the kind of people who feel the winter wind, clench their teeth and fists and walk faster into the breeze. And that's why I love Michael Moore's latest idea: a comedy festival in snowy Northern Michigan...in February.
This is just the latest of Michael Moore's great ideas. Moore brought a summertime film festival to Traverse City that attracts thousands of visitors and millions of dollars to the state. Moore spearheaded the rehab of an historic local theater.
And now he and his friend, Jeff Garlin, have invited their favorite comedian-friends to the Traverse City Comedy Arts Festival this Feb. 19th-21st.
Here are some nice Moore quotes from the AP story:
"We don’t know how to help GM or Chrysler, but we can help bring a little joy and happiness to northern Michigan at a very difficult time," Moore said. "In times like these, humor should ride to the rescue."
They expect to generate at least half of the $5 million to $10 million that the longer summer festival pumps into the region’s economy, he said.
"We wanted to do this in the deepest, darkest winter," Moore deadpanned in an interview. "When the cabin fever has really set in."
AP: Traverse City Comedy Arts Festival