Sanders replaces DeStefano at LaughFest

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., (WOOD) - LaughFest and Bud Light officials on Wednesday announced the replacement act for comedian Michael DeStefano who died March 6.

Detroit native and comedian Lowell Sanders will now perform at the Bud Light Comedy Jam on March 15 at the Orbit Room, 2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd.

"All of us in the Bud Light family express our sympathy to Mike's family," Keith Klopcic West Side Beer said in a news release. "We support going forward with the Bud Light Comedy Jam and what it represents in terms of the deeper message of LaughFest and Gilda's Club's work. We, too, believe that laughter heals and we're looking forward to hosting this free event for the community."

Sanders currently has a show airing on Comedy Central and recently appeared on "Lopez Tonight" on TBS. He has appeared on the hit sitcoms "Home Improvement" and "The Drew Carey Show."

Sanders made his movie debut in Walt Disney's "Jungle 2 Jungle" and was featured in the film "Joe Somebody."

"We plan to honor Michael DeStefano at the event, followed by a moment of silence to recognize his many contributions to the world of comedy," said Leann Arkema, president and CEO of Gilda's Club Grand Rapids. "We're pleased that Lowell Sanders has agreed to step in and join David Dyer and Bobby Slaton at the Bud Light Comedy Jam."

Individual tickets for the Bud Light Comedy Jam are free but tickets are required and available at ticketmaster.com (search LaughFest) or by calling 1.800.745.3000; tickets are also available at the Van Andel Arena box office.

Gilda's LaughFest begins Thursday, lasts 10 days, and will have 110 free events at nearly 50 venues and restaurants in Grand Rapids. Headliners include Bill Cosby, Betty White, Margaret Cho, Mike Birbiglia, Kathleen Madigan and Gabriel Iglesias.

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Online: Gilda's LaughFest