FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 14, 2020

Good Medicine Comedy to Hold Fundraiser Benefiting Tribes Impacted by COVID-19

Line-up features some of the biggest talent in Native American comedy as well as nationally known household names

OAKLAND, Calif. – Recognizing that Native Americans and tribal communities have been some of the hardest hit by COVID-19 in the country, Good Medicine Comedy announced today that it will hold a fundraiser on Friday, May 22, to bring audiences some much-needed comedic relief all while raising money for tribal communities impacted by COVID-19.

Featuring some of the biggest names in Native comedy as well as nationally-recognized comedians who have signed on to support the cause. The virtual show will stream live Friday, May 22 at 8 pm PT/9 pm MT/10 pm CT/11 pm ET. Comedians scheduled to perform include, Judah Friedlander (30 Rock), Laurie Kilmartin (Conan), Rhea Butcher (Conan), Marc Yaffee (Dry Bar Comedy), Dallas Goldtooth (Comedy Central), Bobby Wilson (1491s), and host Jackie Keliiaa (Amazon Prime Video), with more comedians to come!

Large disparities in resources and economic opportunity make Native American communities some of the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, yet the federal government has thus-far offered only minimal aid. Additionally, members of Native American communities are at higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19 because they are likelier to suffer from diabetes, heart disease and other conditions.

“Tribal governments had to wait for far too long to receive federal funding, and while many are now finally receiving it, it is nowhere near enough to enable them to combat the pandemic and help their communities and citizens recover. Much more needs to be done.” said Kevin Allis, CEO, National Congress of American Indians.

The Good Medicine Comedy Fundraiser aims to raise $10,000 to benefit the National Congress of American Indians COVID-19 response fund, ensuring that critical relief funding and resources make it to tribal communities immediately. “We’re asking folks to give big!” said Jackie Keliiaa, the event’s producer and host, and an Oakland-based comedian. Keliiaa added “The amazing lineup is guaranteed to give folks a great show and help us reach a broad audience to meet our fundraising goal.”

Donations are now being accepted at bit.ly/GoodMedicineComedy (Note: Link is case sensitive). For updates about the show and where to watch, visit https://facebook.com/GoodMedicineComedy.

About Good Medicine Comedy

Good Medicine Comedy was created by Oakland-based comedian and producer, Jackie Keliiaa. In 2019, Keliiaa founded the Native Comedy Festival, a first-of-its kind, multi-day festival showcasing Native America sketch comedians, improvisers and stand-up comedians from all over Indian Country. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been rescheduled to Fall 2021. At the start of California’s shelter-in-place order, Keliiaa began hosting NDN Comedy Hour, a weekly virtual comedy show featuring Native American comedians from across the country. The show has featured members of the 1491s, writers from the forthcoming sitcom Rutherford Falls, and the Ladies of Native Comedy among others. The success of the weekly show inspired Good Medicine Comedy as a way to bring laughter and financial resources to communities in need.

Social Info

Good Medicine Comedy

Twitter – @jackiecomedy

Instagram  – @jackiecomedy

Facebook – https://facebook.com/GoodMedicineComedy

National Congress of American Indians

Website – ncai.org

Twitter – @NCAI1944

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ncai1944

Email – NCAIpress@ncai.org

Hashtag – #GoodMedicineComedyHour