Sun Valley Resort proudly presents the third annual Summer Stand-Up Comedy Showcase at the Sun Valley Pavilion! Join us for an unforgettable summer evening of laughter under the stars.

Headliner: Don Friesen

Don Friesen is an American stand-up comedian and the only two-time winner in the history of the prestigious San Francisco International Comedy Competition. Known for his clean, high-energy style, he blends self-deprecating humor, characters, voices, and sharp writing to lampoon life as a suburban husband and father — tackling everything from tech support and texting to marriage and parenting. Born and raised in Fresno, California, Friesen graduated from USC, where he founded the campus improv troupe Commedus Interruptus. His credits include a Showtime one-hour special (“Ask Your Mom”), Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, The Lewis Black Christmas Special, Comics Unleashed, and TBS’ The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas. He is also a regular on KLOS’ 5 O’Clock Funnies and XM Sirius satellite radio, and tours nationally at comedy clubs, theaters, casinos, colleges, and cruise ships.

Supporting Act: Meaghan Elwood

Meaghan Elwood decided to try comedy when her baby left for college in 2014 and never looked back.

She has had the opportunity to work in clubs throughout the United States and Canada and is currently working on a European tour. She has participated in the ‘Ladies of Laughter’ and ‘Moms Unhinged’ tours and participated in the Seattle International Comedy competition.

Comic MC: Keith Barany

Keith Barany is a comedian and comedy producer for the Dry Bar Comedy Series that has shared the stage with Jerry Seinfeld, Joan Rivers, Ray Romano, Jon Stewart, Lewis Black, and more. The New York Post coined Keith, “The wittiest comic working today”, and Keith has written for Seinfeld, Politically Incorrect, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and the Emmys. Keith’s specialty is comedy that’s real, without being vulgar or ‘cringey’.

These comedians generally stay away from politics and stray away from excessive vulgarity, though it is always appropriate to warn families that there will likely be adult language and content.