The 2023 Great Outdoors Comedy Festival Goes Coast to Coast in Canada
Published July 4th, 2023
Photos by SB Photography
In conversation with Brennan McFaul, Vice-President Trixstar Entertainment, on Canada’s hilarious and innovative Great Outdoors Comedy Festival (GOCF) In only their third year, they’ve made significant forward strides and are now appearing in four cities for 2023.
Congrats on the expansion in 2023; how did you decide which cities to bring on board this year?
Going coast to coast in year 3 of the festival is crazy to think. We have been blessed with tremendous local and regional stakeholders in each market. Without their support and excitement, the expansion likely would not have happened as quickly as it did. We knew we wanted to be coast to coast, but doing it in year 3 has been a rewarding endeavour. There are always a bunch of factors we look at when strategizing for our next expansion. Community and tourism support, beautiful outdoor space, stake holder excitement are some of the things we look at. Also, is the community an advocate for the arts, are they supportive of the arts and does their event calendar have room for another major event during the Summer. Summer is short and incredibly valuable in Canada, we know many communities have packed calendars during that time, so is there room for us to fit in and make it a success for everyone involved.
What was the highlight for 2022?
Watching Calgary embrace the festival in one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Canada (Prince’s Island Park) was definitely the highlight.
2023 has some strong names across the lineup - was it easier getting these names for 2023 after the success of 2022?
Yes and no. There is more brand recognition, trust and familiarity with the concept as far as artists, major agencies and management firms go, but you are still dealing with complexities for this level of artists. Navigating personal and professional schedules, how long since they have been in that market, future plans for that market, tour deals with larger promoters, availability on that specific day…these are some of the questions and challenges that come up before a lineup is finalized. It is easier since year 1 or 2 in some regards, but it will always be a puzzle trying to get all the pieces to fit. The pieces that are hard to fit really make you appreciate the ones that fit easily. Bill Burr, Amy Schumer, Jerry Seinfeld, Tom Segura, David Spade, Whitney Cummings, Chelsea Handler, Theo Von. These are some of the biggest names in comedy that we have had the privilege of working with. They all have no shortage of opportunities to perform and although we are paying them, money is only part of it. We are humbled they chose us and continue to choose us, with several artists having performed multiple times with us in different markets.
What will be different in 2023 opposed to 2022 for guests?
The overall improvements we make each year. These improvements are made across the festival from artist lineups and scheduling, marketing, ticketing, seating and site layout, VIP offerings, communications etc. It is a very complex project and it’s never going to be perfect, but we listen to the fans, to our stake holders, to the artists, to our partners and to our staff to keep improving so it is the best and most successful experience for everyone involved. We want to make it consistent and positive wherever that you are attending. We also hired the face of the festival, Rudy the Raccoon, who has been making his way into the public eye more. He will get a bigger reveal onsite at this year’s GOCF.
How would you describe the GOCF to someone who's never attended?
In our first year, headliner David Spade referred to it as “Canada’s biggest picnic” and “like a giant outdoor comedy club” because of how we sell tickets at tables with food and beverage service right to your seat. Canada doesn't have a large outdoor amphitheater system like the US, so we find the best outdoor spot in each market and build a festival site. We want to build these sites and days out with multiple artists and a fun vibe with festival elements where everyone can enjoy the festtival!The vision is and will always be to create an inclusive and safe experience that celebrates and features all forms of performance comedy, from locals to superstars. All while celebrating and supporting the communities and beautiful parks we visit.
What's the most impactful lesson you've learned from 2022's performances?
If you build it, they will come. Meaning, if you build it right with the right partners in the right place, then people will come. We must never stop improving. We started in in 2021, which was a tremendously hard and uncertain time in the events and entertainment industry, and have been fortunate enough to mostly recover from that. The lessons learned and growth that has happened since year 1 are too many to list; we are grateful to still be doing this, giving back to the communities who host us and having people embrace the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival everywhere we go!
