
Oakland Museum hosts a night of Native American comedy
‘Good Medicine’ brings nationally known Native comedians to Oakland Museum of California on May 14.

Recent TV hits like “Reservation Dogs” and Ed Helms’ “Rutherford Falls” speak to popularity of Native American comedy. Folks in the Bay Area can watch some of the ecosystem’s biggest names perform at “Good Medicine: A Night of Live Native Stand Up” at the Oakland Museum of California.
“Our community is chock-full of talented artists creating content relevant to our experience that turns the mainstream idea of what it is to be Native American on its head,” says Jackie Keliiaa, the Oakland comedian producing and hosting the event. (Buy tickets now, because 2021’s “Good Medicine” sold out.)
The lineup includes three national comics: Siena East, Kasey Nicholson and Dash Turner. “On this show you won’t find any stoic Hollywood tropes; we are using comedy to redefine Native identity in our own words and on our own terms,” Keliiaa says. “This art is urgent. It needs to be heard, lauded, celebrated and supported.”
The 90-minute show takes place on the grass under the stars, so bring a blanket or low chair. There will be food and drinks for sale, an artisan market with jewelry and apparel and afterward a DJ dance party with jams from Native and East Bay bands.
Details: May 14, 7:30 pm; 1000 Oak St., Oakland; $25 tickets (discounts for students, seniors and EBT holders) available at museumca.org/2022/good-medicine-native-comedy-show
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Public Museum has announced a partnership with Gilda's LaughFest to bring "LaughFest: Night at the Museum" to life.
The event will feature a performance by comedians Dave Dyer and Allen Trieu, and gives visitors a chance to explore the museum.
“LaughFest was designed 10 years ago to be a community event that celebrates laughter in all its forms,” said Zack Berends, LaughFest Festival Manager of Gilda’s Club and Gilda’s LaughFest. “LaughFest: Night at the Museum at the Grand Rapids Public Museum is a perfect example of how the community and Gilda’s Club can come together to engage West Michigan, share laughter with others, all while having a seriously good time.”
Before the performance kicks off, visitors are encouraged to arrive early to walk through the museum. Select exhibits will be open, including the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, West Michigan Habitats and the Grand Fish, Grand River display.
“The Museum is excited to partner with LaughFest in this new way for the community,” said Kate Kocienski, VP of Marketing & PR at the GRPM. “LaughFest: Night at the Museum is a unique opportunity for all ages to enjoy exclusive access to explore the Museum’s exhibits in a limited capacity setting, followed by a family-friendly comedy show to end the night off.”
David Dyer has been a comedian for over 25 years, and has written for "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" and "Politically Incorrect." He has also appeared as guests on comedy shows and hosts his own web series. In addition, Dyer works as a firefighter in Muskegon and as an on-call firefighter for Grand Rapids Township.
Allen Trieu has performed across the country after beginning his career at Grand Valley State University, where he won the annual Last Laker Standing Competition. His comedy album "A Cry for Help" has reached No. 1 on the iTunes comedy charts. During the day, Trieu works as a football recruiting analyst.
LaughFest: Night at the Museum kicks off Wednesday, March 16 at 6 p.m., with the comedy show beginning at 7 p.m. The event is family-friendly.
Visitors must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event, per LaughFest COVID protocols. Masks are recommended, but not required.