Doug Stanhope (left) and Stewart Huff Courtesy photos

Things are about to get a lot funnier around Fayetteville this spring, thanks to local comedy collective, Comedians NWA.

The group has started booking touring stand-up comedians again, beginning with national acts Stewart Huff and Doug Stanhope.

Huff, who was in town for a show at UARK Bowl this time last year, will perform on Friday, April 11 at Mermaids Seafood Restaurant. He is a frequent contributor for NPR and PBS, and has been called “one of the best comedy writers Anerica has seen since Woody Allen” by the Lexington Comedy Review.

Ticket’s to Huff’s show are $10, and are on sale now at comediansnwa.com.

Stanhope also performed in Fayetteville a few years ago, and will return to town for a show at Mermaids on April 25. The comedian, self-described as “vulgar, opinionated, brutally honest and shockingly uninhibited,” hosted The Man Show on Comedy Central from 2003-2004, guest starred in the hit FX comedy Louie, and has appeared on The Howard Stern Show, Opie and Anthony, Comedy Central Presents and NBC’s Late Friday, among others.

Tickets to Stanhope’s appearance are $25, on sale now at brownpapertickets.com.

Comedians NWA member Troy Gittings said he hopes bringing the national acts to town will continue to shed light on the burgeoning local comedy scene.

“There is too much talent and demand here to ignore,” he said. “Touring professionals have witnessed it, and it’s why they want to come back. We are excited to provide the outlet for comedians to perform and for audiences to laugh and be entertained.”

For more information about these or other upcoming comedy events in Fayetteville, visit comediansnwa.com.

Doug Stanhope – No Refunds (NSFW)

Stewart Huff – Live at The Sinking Ship (NSFW)