NEW YORK, February 7, 2005 -- COMEDY CENTRAL has teamed up with LAFFAPALOOZA!, the world’s premiere urban comedy brand, for a one-hour special, “Jamie Foxx’s LAFFAPALOOZA!.” Hosted by the Oscar-nominated actor and comedian Jamie Foxx, the comedy special will debut on Sunday, February 20 at 10:00 p.m.*  
 
“Jamie Foxx’s LAFFAPALOOZA!” was taped over two nights at last year’s annual LAFFAPALOOZA! Urban Comedy Festival held in Atlanta, October 21- 24, 2004.   The special features the hottest up-and-coming urban comedians including Howie Bell, Deon Cole, Earthquake, Dennis Gaxiola, Kevin Hart, Dominique Witten as well as musical performances from rap legends Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick.
 
LAFFAPALOOZA! is known worldwide as the premiere urban comedy event where producers, writers, directors, superstar comedians and “New Faces in Urban Comedy” are all featured during the four-day Festival in seminars, panels and performances.  Another signature feature of the annual LAFFAPALOOZA! Festival is the “New Faces in Urban Comedy International” talent search for the next breakthrough urban comic.   LAFFAPALOOZA!’s “New Faces in Urban Comedy International” talent search began last April in 10 key urban markets in the U.S. as well as in both the U.K. (London) and Canada (Montreal). In October, break-out comedians from those preliminary events were selected for a few coveted slots and invited to perform in Atlanta during the Festival’s “New Faces in Urban Comedy” showcases.  Immediately following the festival showcases, one comedian was selected to perform during the taping of the “Jamie Foxx’s LAFFAPALOOZA!” special.
 
The special is executive produced by Jamie Foxx, Marcus King and Ron Wilson for LAFFAPALOOZA! Productions in association with executive producers Stu Schreiberg and Marilyn Seabury for Triage Entertainment. Elizabeth Porter is the executive in charge of “Jamie Foxx’s LAFFAPALOOZA!” for COMEDY CENTRAL.
 
Last fall’s LAFFAPALOOZA! festival was sponsored by Cingular Wireless, COMEDY CENTRAL, Coors Light, Four Seasons Hotels and Image Entertainment. For more information related to LAFFAPALOOZA! go to www.laffapalooza.com.
 
Since the inception of “Jamie Foxx’s LAFFAPALOOZA!,” proceeds from the festival have benefitted LAFFAPALOOZA!’s Learn Through Laughter Foundation.  LAFFAPALOOZA!’s Learn Through Laughter Foundation is an artistic and academic learning program designed to engage and teach at-risk youth through the creative use of humor.  LAFFAPALOOZA! has been recognized by the U.S. Congress in connection with its work with children.
 
COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 86 million homes nationwide.  COMEDY CENTRAL is owned by Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of MTV Networks.  COMEDY CENTRAL is a registered trademark of Comedy Partners.  COMEDY CENTRAL's Internet address is http://www.comedycentral.com.
 
*All times ET/PT.