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A second Aspen? In Vegas? Huh? Wha?

Tommy James sends along word that Backstage has a wrapup of the goings on last week in Aspen. But the real story (as far as we’re concerned, and Tommy as well) is this:

HBO is in early planning for a more consumer-focused comedy festival to take place in Las Vegas in late fall, likely November. According to sources, HBO has toyed for a while with the idea of a second annual comedy extravaganza. “We are talking about a festival that is a broader-based commercial venture that would be a great extension” to the Aspen gathering, HBO chairman and CEO Chris Albrecht said.

Read the rest here.

A deluxe opportunity to quote ourselves again! On Aspen’s recent effort to seek out comics who lacked management or representation:

Might this be in response to a widespread perception among those of us in the comedy biz that USCAF is a “locked game” that merely serves as a ski holiday for Hollywood fatcats (and their clients)?

Oh, yeah. You can bet that we’re taking full credit for this move!