Kentucky Comedy Festival to host student night featuring comedian Kelly Collette

MURRAY, Ky. – The Kentucky Comedy Festival is excited to return to Murray State University this fall. The festival will kick off with a special “College Night” for Murray State students on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wrather Hall.

This event will feature the hilarious Kelly Collette, known for her performance on Dry Bar Comedy and as one of America’s top young comedians.

Collette is a standup comedian and writer who began her career in Cincinnati, Ohio. She now works the road full time, performing in clubs, theaters and independent rooms. She was named Cincinnati Citybeat’s Best Comedian in 2020. In 2022, she was an artist in residence at Acadia National Park—the first standup comedian in the National Park’s history. The event promises to provide a fun, engaging experience for students, bringing the campus community together for an unforgettable night.

The Kentucky Comedy Festival was created by western Kentucky native and Murray State alumnus Ben Wilson, ‘99, and his English bulldog, Farley, with a mission to bring laughter to western Kentucky and the surrounding community. Profits from the Kentucky Comedy Festival support Wilson’s Living the Dream with Ben and the Bulldogs Scholarship at Murray State University, as well as future Kentucky Comedy Festivals in western Kentucky. By attending this event, students will not only enjoy a fantastic night of comedy but also contribute to the Racers Helping Racers food pantry on Murray State’s campus.

This free event is limited to Murray State students and staff. Attendees must RSVP at kentuckycomedyfestival.com and bring a valid Murray State student or staff ID. Additionally, as part of Wilson and the Kentucky Comedy Festival’s commitment to supporting the community, each attendee is required to bring at least two non-perishable food items to support the Racers Helping Racers food pantry. This is a wonderful opportunity for the campus to come together, enjoy a night of comedy and support fellow Racers in need.

“We are thrilled that Ben Wilson and the Kentucky Comedy Festival are returning to our campus again this year,” said Brandon Anderson, director of development for University Libraries.  “It is wonderful that Ben is kicking off this year’s festival with a free student event and supporting Racers Helping Racers. We are appreciative of Ben and all his work to bring the festival together right here in west Kentucky.”

The general public is invited to purchase tickets and attend Nov. 1-2 with headliners Greg Warren and “Cowboy Bill” William Lee Martin. For more information about the Kentucky Comedy Festival and the series of events, visit kentuckycomedyfestival.com.

About Racers Helping Racers: Racers Helping Racers is a food pantry for Murray State University students, created in 2014 to help end food insecurity on campus. Individuals interested in making a non-perishable food donation, please contact msu.racershelpingracers@murraystate.edu. Students in need of assistance through Racers Helping Racers, please bring your Racer Card when coming to the food pantry located at 244 Blackburn Science Building.  Individuals who would like to make a monetary donation to Racers Helping Racers, contact Abby Hensley, director of development for Student Affairs at 270-809-3001.