The Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest is recognized as the nation’s most prestigious African American comedy festival—an enduring cultural institution dedicated to celebrating Black comedic excellence, storytelling, and community. Hosted annually on the historic island of Martha’s Vineyard, the festival has welcomed some of the most influential voices in comedy, including Mark Curry, Marsha Warfield, Sherri Shepherd, Dave Chappelle, Deon Cole, Sommore, and D.L. Hughley. These artists, alongside emerging talent, have helped establish the festival as a premier destination where laughter and legacy converge.

The festival was created and is produced by Steve Capers, an entertainment promoter, executive producer, and founder of Knock Knock Comedy Productions. As the visionary architect behind the Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest and its Master Class, Steve has built a nationally respected, Black-owned platform rooted in ownership, access, and long-term sustainability. His leadership focuses on strategic partnerships, sponsor alignment, and transforming cultural investment into measurable social, economic, and community impact.

Serving as the longtime host and creative anchor of the Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest is Damon Williams, a nationally respected comedian whose career reflects the evolution and excellence of contemporary Black comedy. Damon gained national prominence as a featured opening act on the historic Kings of Comedy Tour—one of the most successful and culturally significant comedy tours in history. Over the course of his career, he has headlined clubs and theaters across the country, performed alongside many of the genre’s most iconic voices, and earned a reputation for sharp observational humor rooted in authenticity and lived experience. As host, Damon provides continuity, cultural fluency, and leadership—setting the tone for the festival, engaging audiences, and creating a connective thread between artists, partners, and the community.

Together, Capers and Williams lead the Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest Master Class, which centers on Laughter, Legacy, and Lessons from the Stage—using real-world experience to explore how humor, storytelling, and ownership can shape culture, preserve history, and build enduring creative institutions.