Aziz Ansari Kicks Off Summer Comedy Series This Friday

There is no other comedy festival or series in the United States that will bring as many major comedy stars to one venue in a seven-week span as the . The popular series begins this Friday, June 24, when one of the stars of the NBC hit sitcom, Parks & Recreation, Aziz Ansari.

Ansari makes his Rhode Island debut at the on opening night of the 11th annual series.While tickets remain to the show, a near sellout crowd is expected.

Ansari stars as Tom Haverford on Parks & Recreation. He created and starred in a critically acclaimed MTV sketch comedy show Human Giant, which ran for two seasons starting in 2007. He hosted the MTV Movie Awards in 2010 and has also appeared on the Ellen Degeneres show, Tonight Show and Late Night with David Letterman.

Ansari headlines the star studded Newport Summer Comedy Series this Friday that also features Steven Wright, Brian Regan, Jeff Dunham, Louis CK, Ron White, Bog Saget, Lisa Lampanelli and John Pinette. 

“It’s 11 shows in our 11th year," series President Joe Rocco said. “Having Aziz Ansari start off ourcomedy series is a sensational way to get the laughter on the Newport waterfront going for this season.Aziz is hilarious. We have had some very strong lineups of comedy stars over the years, but there is nodoubt that this is our best ever.”

Tickets are available at NewportComedy.com, 800-745-3000, Newport Yachting Center Box Office, and all Ticketmaster locations.