When life hurts, you’ll be glad When The Saints Come LAUGHING In! Death is an inevitable part of life, but we don’t always talk about it until faced with its realities. Grief and loss can be isolating, but laughter can be as cathartic as crying, especially when shared with others.

Comedians Jordon Ferber and Samantha Bednarz tackle tough topics in this one-night-only comedy extravaganza hosted by Alan Pedersen.

This year marks the 5th consecutive year that Jordon Ferber produces a comedy show to complement the annual national convention for The Compassionate Friends (TCF), a non-profit organization supporting bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings across the U.S.

Comedy and tragedy are often intertwined, and we should rejoice in laughing at the darkest parts of our humanity.

The Compassionate Friends (TCF) 47th Annual National Conference, an event offering inspiration, support, and connection for those grieving the death of a child, grandchild, or sibling, is coming to New Orleans from July 12 – 14. The conference gathers over 1,000+ individuals from across North America in a supportive setting with others who understand the devastating loss of a child, grandchild, or sibling.

Attendees find renewed hope and support, as well as tools, information, and strategies for coping with grief. They make connections, find inspiration, and receive support and understanding. Lifelong friendships are formed and deepened each year at TCF conferences.

New Orleans’ resilience in the face of tragedy, rich traditions of remembering those who have died, and ability to rise from the devastation of loss make it the perfect location for this hopeful and supportive event.

The Compassionate Friends exists to provide highly personal comfort, hope, and support to bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings, and to help family, friends, community members, and professionals better understand the impact of grief and how to help those who are grieving.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, July 11th
• Time: Doors open at 7pm, show at 8pm
• Location: The Howlin’ Wolf New Orleans, 907 S Peters Street
• Tickets: Available at https://laughlife.standuptix.com/events/when-the-saints-come-laughing-in

About the Performers:

Jordon Ferber is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and bereaved sibling. A veteran of the NYC comedy scene, Jordon is a unique public speaker and producer of “Where’s the Grief?,” a podcast with (mostly) comedians who have experienced tragic loss. He and his family run The Russell Ferber Foundation, providing scholarships to the Culinary Institute of America. Jordon produces a yearly comedy benefit show for the foundation, continuing to bring people together and carry on his brother Russell’s spirit through love and laughter.

Samantha Bednarz, also a bereaved sibling and native New Yorker, is a deeply personal storyteller with a penchant for aggression. Her style is best described as controlled chaos. After more than a decade in the NYC Comedy Scene, she moved to New Orleans in December 2021 and quickly became part of the local comedy scene. She has opened for nationally touring acts and been featured in the 2023 Hell Yes Fest, 2023 Nola Comedy Fest, and the 2023 LGBTLOL Festival.

Alan Pedersen is an award-winning songwriter, recording artist, comedian, and nationally recognized speaker on grief and loss. Alan’s life changed forever on August 15, 2001, when his oldest child and only daughter Ashley died in an automobile accident. He turned his journey through grief into a tribute to Ashley's life. As the former executive director of The Compassionate Friends, he has spent years bringing people together to aid in the healing process through love, laughter, and music.