Wanda Sykes has been called "one of the funniest stand up comics" by her peers and ranks among Entertainment Weekly's 25 Funniest People in America. Her smart-witted stand up has sent her career in many different areas.

She is currently hosting her own late night talk show, airing every Saturday on Fox. Last October she premiered her second HBO stand-up special. Also, she is currently starring as “Barb” on the CBS comedy THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE.

She was last seen in her HBO comedy special WANDA SYKES: SICK & TIRED which debuted in October 2006 and was nominated for a 2007 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special. It was taped before a live audience at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, WANDA SYKES: SICK & TIRED, features material from her recent national tour. Among the topics covered are: politics, gay marriage, karma, healthcare, racial profiling, the pressure of being a woman and the perks of getting older.

Sykes was seen in the feature films “Evan Almighty,” the sequel to “Bruce Almighty,” in which she co-starred with Steve Carell, the New Line feature “Monster-In-Law” starring opposite Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda, and was heard in the animated feature “Over The Hedge” for Dreamworks as well as “The Barnyard” for Paramount Pictures. She can also be seen co-starring with Luke Wilson and Uma Thurman in the romantic comedy “My Super Ex-Girlfriend.” Sykes starred and produced the Comedy Central show "Wanda Does It" where she tried various non-showbiz jobs. Her first book titled Yeah, I Said It, published by Simon and Schuster, hit bookstores in September 2004. Yeah, I Said It is a hilarious collection of essays touching on life, family and current events.

In the fall of 2003 she was seen on Fox's "Wanda at Large" which she wrote, produced and starred in. She also has a one hour Comedy Central special called "Wanda Sykes: Tongue Untied". In addition, she can be seen on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" or heard on Comedy Central's "Crank Yankers” as the voice of Gladys Murphy.

Wanda was born in Portsmouth, Virginia and raised in Maryland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University. Her stand-up career began at a Coors Light Super talent Showcase in Washington, DC where she performed for the first time in front of a live audience.

She spent 5 years as part of the HBO's critically acclaimed "Chris Rock Show." As a performer and writer on the show, she was nominated for three Primetime Emmy's and in 1999 won the Emmy for "Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special." In 2001, she won the American Comedy Award for "Outstanding Female Stand Up Comic". She won three more Emmy’s, in 2002, 2004 and 2005 , for her work on “Inside the NFL” for “Outstanding Studio Show - Weekly- Inside The NFL".

In 2003, Wanda earned a Comedy Central Commie Award for "Funniest TV Actress." Other writing credits include: the "MTV 1999 Music Video Awards", "The MTV Movie Awards" the "74th Annual Academy Awards," "The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show," and "Wanda at Large."

She also appeared in the feature films: "Pootie Tang", "Nutty Professor 2; The Klumps", and "Down to Earth".

Decades before indie labels were the norm, and years before women had any real access to the industry, Cris Williamson was busy changing the face of popular music. In 1975, the twenty-something former schoolteacher released the recording, The Changer And The Changed, on Olivia Records. This music became the soundtrack of a movement, and was key in the launch of what would become known as “women’s music,” music, which was created, performed, and marketed specifically to women. Today, that record remains one of the best-selling independent releases of all time.

For forty-some years, Cris has toured the acoustic circuit. She continues to criss-cross this country, selling out Carnegie Hall three times, and headlining among others, the Newport, Kerrville, Vancouver and Moab Folk Festivals. Always the teacher, Cris facilitates Songwriting Workshops throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Cris's upcoming release, Songs of the Soul, an illumination of Spirit, is due for release in early 2012.

The first openly gay comedian in the United States, Suzanne has delivered gay material to straight audiences in mainstream comedy clubs beginning in NYC since the early ’90s. After accepting a dare, she entered the world of comedy by accident and her life has never been the same since. Suzanne soon became the first lesbian comedian to garner an HBO Comedy Special, earning her a Cable Ace Award nomination. Additionally, a performance on “Late Night with David Letterman” marked the first by an openly lesbian comedian. Suzanne works mostly unscripted, so when she hits the stage it’s an unpredictable, original night of comedy magic. On land or at sea, Suzanne delights audiences with over 100 performances a year at theatres, clubs, colleges, fundraisers and cruise and resort vacations. Having toured with the Indigo Girls and Ani DiFranco while on Olivia Cruises, Suzanne wishes she’d been born a rockstar. Her comedy special and documentary, “A Bottom on Top,” aired on LOGO Television in fall 2007 and is available on DVD. In the summer of 2006, Suzanne starred nightly on the GSN’s remake of the classic game show, “I’ve Got a Secret.” HBO, Bravo and LOGO TV specials dot her resume.

AWARDS
(1994): Nominated for a Cable Ace Award “Nothing in my Closet but my Clothes” (1999): Gay and Lesbian American Music Award (GLAMA) winner for best comedy CD “I’m Not Cindy Brady” (2000): GLAMA winner for best comedy CD “Guaranteed Fresh” (2003): GLAMA winner for best comedy CD

Vicci Martinez isn't worried about the rules.

The singer-songwriter continually goes against the grain both musically and lyrically. She doesn't adhere to guidelines of what pop music is supposed to be or how it should be presented. Given her penchant for writing honest, heartfelt songs, she doesn't have to either. When she hits the studio or the stage, she nods to soulful folk and classic rock with an immortal R&B groove beneath everything. On her forthcoming debut album for Universal Republic Records, VICCI, the world will get to see Vicci for who she is, and it might just be a better place because of it.

After spending high school honing her talents, she began releasing music independently in 2003. Touring the country for almost a decade, she released seven independent albums culminating with 2011's Live from Jazzbones. Along the way, she shared stages with everyone from Sting and Annie Lennox to The Supersuckers and Jonny Lang. However, NBC's television show The Voice came calling in early 2011, and that opened doors for the next phase of her career.

She landed in the show's top four after riveting and roaring performances of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" and an explosive duet with coach Cee Lo Green of Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield". However, it was her stunning live performances of “Jolene” and “Dog Days Are Over” as well as the original song that was written for her, “Afraid To Sleep,” where she shined the brightest. Vicci's robust delivery of these tune's made the tracks instant hits online.. She also began to resonate with listeners everywhere as a group of young female fans banded together to assemble the Vicci Martinez Army in honor of her.

There's a deeper message to her writing. "I'm writing about really honest subjects," she continues. “I did The Voice so I could trigger that fire in people to pursue their dreams."

Ultimately, that honesty hits the hardest, even if it breaks a couple rules in the process. "I hope people realize they can heal themselves and their hearts," concludes Vicci.

Vickie Shaw is the funniest comedian EVER! She said so herself! Vickie has been making people laugh until their faces hurt and ribs cracked! She has traveled the entire US and many overseas locations making people laugh. She gets her comedy from her life, with her partner Sargent Patch, their three children and now three grandchildren. She has been in movies, "Laughing Matters More", television, Comedy Central, four comedy specials on the LOGO Channel, Late In Life Lesbians, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen, just to name a few. She headlines on Olivia Cruises, HRC events, Lambda Legal, GLAAD, and the list just gets bigger. If you have a chance to see her you absolutely must. Don't miss her.

Curve Magazine calls Karen Williams "...a laugh riot!" The Sydney Morning Herald proclaims that Karen Williams is "ferociously funny, with perfect pace, timing and structure."

Karen Williams is the hottest comedy star on the horizon -- with an awesome personality, stunning good looks, and a sterling reputation for delivering laughs each and every time!

Currently booking her FACEBOOK FRIENDS COMEDY TOUR and “HEALING WITH HUMOR – FREEDOM FROM FEAR” NATIONAL COMEDY TOUR, dedicated to victory over violence, Karen Williams is using her celebrity status to raise awareness and to work for social justice using humor and healing!

“I NEED A SNACK” -- filmed live at The Knitting Factory in Hollywood and produced by Andrea Meyerson of AllOut Films – is a hilarious solo comedy special aired regularly on LOGO TV and available on DVD.

“LAUGHING MATTERS,” the award-winning feature film featuring Karen Williams, made Blockbuster Video's New Releases list. An audience favorite at film fests, this popular comedy-documentary showcases Karen's star quality while intriguing interviews highlight her social activism.

Karen is known for her quick repartee, insightful commentary and audience rapport. She is a comic craftmaster, a gifted actor, a multitalented writer, and an inspirational lecturer, whose HaHA Institute attracts clients from the public and private sectors. Armed with her "healing with humor" philosophy, Karen is a modern-day alchemist, whose audiences revel in her cathartic laughter, and whose peers consider her a comic's comic!

As a solo entertainer, Karen Williams delights fan-filled audiences from San Francisco to South Beach to Sydney, and is a comic favorite with Olivia, known for its womens’ cruises and resorts. Karen is a featured comic in "We're Funny That Way," the hilarious, internationally-acclaimed film shown regularly on HBO, as well as a nominee for the 1999 GLAMA Award for her irreverent comedy CD, "human beings: what a concept" (Uproar Records).

Comedy writer and former television host of the New York variety show, "In The Life," Williams' humor writings appear in numerous anthologies, including "Joke Stew" (Andrews McMeel Publishing); Revolutionary Laughter" (Crossing Press); "Out in All Directions" (Warner Books); and "Out, Loud & Laughing" (Random House).

Karen Williams graduated summa cum laude from Cleveland State University with a personally-designed major in "Humor and Healing." She earned a Master of Education degree from CSU's Adult Learning & Development program. Karen Williams, M.Ed, taught Stand-Up Comedy in the Dramatic Arts department of Cleveland State University; studied improv at Second City Chicago; and directed comedy classes at Second City Cleveland. Currently Karen teaches acting at ProModel and Talent Management, training students to audition at the IMTA (International Model and Talent Agency) Convention in New York City in summer 2013.

Toshi Reagon is a talented, versatile singer, songwriter and musician with a profound ear for sonic Americana--from folk to funk, from blues to rock. She masters each of these genres with vocal strategies that easily spiral and swoop from the expressively sinuous to the hard-charging, a combination of warmth and mischief.

Described by Vibe magazine as ―one helluva rock‘n‘roller-coaster ride‖, Toshi Reagon is a one-woman celebration of all that‘s dynamic, progressive and uplifting in American music. Since first taking to the stage at age 17, this versatile singer-songwriter-guitarist has moved audiences of all kinds with her big-hearted, hold-nothing-back approach to rock, blues, R&B, country, folk, spirituals and funk. The New York Times described her blend as ―...a love of mixing things up...[her] vocal style ranges from a blues moan to a gospel shout to an ethereal croon. Her live performances, in particular, aren‘t just accessible; they‘re irresistible.

While her expansive career has landed her comfortably in residence at Carnegie Hall, the Paris Opera House & Madison Square Garden, you can just as easily find Toshi turning out a music festival, intimate venue or local club. Toshi finds home on any musical stage. Toshi has had the pleasure of working with Lizz Wright, Ani Difranco, Carl Hancock Rux, Nona Hendrix, Pete Seeger, Chocolate Genius & many other amazing artists.

Toshi knows the power of song to focus, unite and mobilize people. If you've been lucky enough to be in Toshi's presence, you know you can't walk away from her without feeling better about yourself as a human being. She aims for nothing less.

Her Latest release is "There and Back Again" (2011)

C.C. Carter is a seasoned Chicago Slammer and performance poet who brings the house down whether performing to an intimate crowd of 10 or in a public arena of 10,000. Her poetry and performances make her one of the few spoken word artists to showcase regularly at women’s music festivals including the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival, National Womyn’s Music Festival, and Sistahfest as well as garnering her opening credits for Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, Cheryl Clarke and Dorothy Allison. Her one woman show, Living Large In a Shrinking America – sold out all three shows in Provincetown during women’s week; critics deemed it “hilariously funny and perfectly timed.”

Whether giving keynote performances on the complexities of the Marriage Equality act, performing at human rights rallies or presenting performance lectures on college and university campuses of the intersections of diversity, C.C. gives voice to her layered truths of being femme, lesbian, multicultural and a mother.

C.C. has received numerous awards and honors for her arts and activism, including the induction into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. Her work is currently anthologized in over 15 collections of poetry and prose including Best Lesbian Erotica, Best Black Women's Erotica, Does Your Mama Know and Women Warriors: 35 Women Leaders in the Spoken Word Revolution.

Curve Magazine writes, "Get ready to meet your newest comedy crush!"

Lianna is an internationally renowned stand-up comedienne, having performed through Ireland, South Africa and the United States. Under the helm of the Creative Management Entertainment Group in Los Angeles, CA, she is currently parlaying her skills as a stand-up comedienne into a hosting and television career.

Lianna has performed in notable venues including the Laugh Factory, The Improv, and has even received a coveted bid to the invite-only World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas, Nevada. Yet even so, Lianna is someone who prefers performing in peculiar, less traditional spaces. She has heeded the advice of Second City Producer Emeritus, Joyce Sloan, who once told Lianna to, "Never turn down a stage!" Lianna has since calcified her craft in unique spaces such as father/son picnics, hotel lobbies and even church chapels. She has opened for ingenuous musicians as well, performing stand-up comedy in concert venues across the country.

If you ask Lianna what her favorite gig was, she'll fondly remember the time she performed in front of all Deaf audiences with a sign language interpreter. If you're beginning to get the sense that Lianna is not your ordinary comic, we're just getting started. Lianna was raised the daughter of a Southern Baptist Minister and a Deaf mom. Then, Lianna came out as a lesbian early on in High School.

Now the gay daughter of a retired Southern Baptist minister, it is through this perspective that she sees the world. Her work is the intersection and shedding of all of her life experiences. And it is hysterical.

Lianna is also a blogger for Huffington Post Comedy and is featured in the web-series, "The City of Angels with Lianna Carrera" on AfterEllen.com.

Selected for the 2012 Women in Comedy Festival
Top 14 Finalist for the MagnersUSA Comedy Festival
Featured Comic on LOGO TV’s “One Night Stand-Up”
Regional Finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing 4”
Supporting Actor in Promise Land, a Sundance Film Festival selection

Sapna Kumar has been getting up on a stage since she was a teenager. She did her first week on the road as a stand-up comic at the age of 19 in the backwoods of Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. She took a big risk by coming out on stage even then. Over the years, Sapna developed her act in Chicago, where she worked throughout the city’s theater and improv scene.

Sapna’s act is autobiographical, with a lot of hyperbole. She describes how her Indian immigrant parents learned she was a lesbian—by sitting down and reading all her journals when she was a teenager. She re-enacts her mother’s outrage at her “gay lifestyle” and pokes antics at her space cadet father’s lack of understanding of it all. Once Sapna’s mother suggested that Sapna must be gay because she just doesn’t eat enough fruit! Addicted to mangoes, Sapna doesn’t seem to find that to be the case at all.

Sapna also hits on the pulse of today’s times and describes her foibles of trying to survive as a single lady in a very tough economy. She shares her experiences of working in fast food restaurants, such as White Castle, which she prefers to call Le Chateau Blanc. She also describes how she once tweeted herself out of a job, when she wrote, “OMG, my boss just ate all her Weight Watchers points, and it’s not even noon.”

Never too good at regular jobs or with women, Sapna is most at home on stage (and on the sofa with her beloved cat Mrs. Whiskersons). Once Sapna was cast in a commercial with Mrs. Whiskersons the Cat, but when she got to the set, they only wanted her cat and not her. It’s Sapna’s life of tragically flawed mishaps that makes for non-stop laughs. And she understands, “You’re not laughing with her. You’re laughing at her. And that’s okay!” Didn’t Dr. Phil say something like that?

"In Goddess culture, Gina Breedlove is a vocal priestess, leaving her audience the privileged recipients of her pure spirit and deep vocal well." ~ Holly Near

The creative force of Gina Breedlove is as dangerous and delightful as this earth we share. Folksoul is the signature sound of this versatile vocalist and songwriter, who defies and redefines genre. A coalescence of rhythm and blues, with cadences of folk, it is indeed the medicine that many of us have been waiting for.

"Her voice is soul revelry, and her beauty captures your heart and mind" ~ Jazztimes Magazine

From Showtime's The Real L Word, east coast born and raised, Whitney has been making her mark on LA for the past two years. As a special effects make-up artist, Whitney thrives off of creativity, art, and expression. She maintains the concept on life of “living it. loving it. learning it.”

Sara Bettencourt, from Showtime’s The Real L Word, is known as the show’s fashionista. She describes herself as a humanitarian, environmentalist, stylist, dancer, lover and entertainer.

Whitney & Sara tied the knot on the show’s season three finale. Get up close and personal with the newlyweds and find out about their experience with reality TV.

Born and raised in Queens, NY, DJ Rockaway has been on the LGBT music scene for over a decade performing for audiences across the nation. From clubs all over NY to private weddings and events, she is a regular DJ on Olivia’s cruise and resort vacations and knows how to keep her crowd dancing. As one of the newest DJ’s to hit the San Francisco Bay Area, her style – dance, hip hop, r&b, house, club, and retro – allows her to play to all who love to dance and feel the music. A true New Yorker (just listen to her talk), DJ Rockaway has an intense passion for music which connects her to every style, translating her performances into a high energy music experience for her crowds. For DJ Rockaway, music is more than a blend of sounds, music is an experience – she wants you to feel it, live it, escape into it.

Lisa Pittman is well known on the lesbian scene spinning prime time for massive events like Club Skirts THE DINAH weekend, and Miami's AQUA GIRL Events. She is also well known on the PRIDE circuit, hitting cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, and of course her hometown, Las Vegas. In Las Vegas, she is the resident DJ for major clubs like TAO, and the Hard Rock Hotel's most (in) famous party REHAB. Every Saturday Night in Las Vegas, you can find her at CandyBar, a lesbian weekly created and operated by DJ Lisa Pittman and hosted by KRAVE Nightclub located on the Las Vegas Strip!