Michael Che: May 22-25

Michael Che is a stand-up comic from the Lower East Side of Manhattan. As the youngest child of seven, he has been his family's source of comic relief since he was old enough to wear diapers. Growing up with much older siblings, Che became familiar with stand-up comedy at a very young age when he watched Eddie Murphy and Damon Wayans' specials. However, it wasn't until he attended LaGuardia Music and Performing Arts High School that he realized performing could be a future career. As a performer, Che cites Patrice O'Neal and George Carlin as his biggest influences. He appreciates performers that can identify humanity in the most controversial actions and convey it to the audience through humor -- which is the approach he takes with his comedy. Che has been featured at major comedy clubs throughout Manhattan, but has built a name for himself playing alternative rooms in New York's downtown scene.