The highlight of 2016's SF Sketchfest, running January 7th to 24th in its 15th year, could be a salute to Waiting For Guffman on the 20th anniversary of that genre- inventing mockumentary. In the film's honor, the festival has arranged a live cast reunion of Christopher Guest, Bob Balaban, Parker Posey and Fred Willard. But naturally there's also more current fare: “Bob’s Burgers” fans will thrill to conversations with creator Loren Bouchard and cast members Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, Larry Murphy, John Roberts, and Kristen Schaal.
And all the stars align for in-person tributes to living legends. Take Sally Field in conversation with Michael Showalter leading up to a screening of their new film, Hello, My Name is Doris. Or there's Jeff Goldblum in conversation and musical performance with his Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. The Bay Area's own Boots Riley will even be chatting with Patton Oswalt.
Then expect comedic author Dave Barry, film spotlights including Hot Shots, 25th Anniversary with Jim Abrahams and Pat Proft; Teen Witch: The Peaches Christ Experience; and Hook 25th Anniversary;
TV spotlights, in addition to "Bob's Burgers," will be “Fishing with John” 25th Anniversary with John Lurie in conversation with Parker Posey; “Drunk History” with Derek Waters and friends; “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” live; “Galavant” with creators and cast, and “Sledge Hammer!;” celebrations of animated comedies “BoJack Horseman,” “Futurama” and “Dr. Katz Professional Therapist”;
Radio, too, will be represented in shows from StarTalk Live with Bill Nye the Science Guy and Eugene Mirman and NPR’s Ask Me Another.
The list of talent goes on and on, and here's some of it: Pamela Adlon, Scott Adsit, Maria Bamford, Todd Barry, Guy Branum, Stephanie Courtney, Cameron Esposito, Noel Fielding, Dave Foley, Judah Friedlander, Ron Funches, Jeff Garlin, Janeane Garofalo, Chris Gethard, Bobcat Goldthwait, Dana Gould, Dan Harmon, John Hodgman doing his podcast with Jon Hamm as a guest, Moshe Kasher, Andy Kindler, Nick Kroll, Natasha Leggero, Beth Littleford, Jason Mantzoukas, Kevin McDonald, Thomas Middleditch, Laraine Newman, Tom Papa, Jimmy Pardo, Eddie Pepitone, Chelsea Peretti, Jim Rash, Paul Scheer, The Sklar Brothers, Martin Starr, Eric Stonestreet, Scott Thompson, Paul F. Tompkins, Michael Urie, Baron Vaughn, and Jessica Williams.
Also expect Upright Citizens Brigade and The Groundlings performances, not to mention my personal favorite, music by female Prince cover band Princess featuring Maya Rudolph and Gretchen Lieberum.
SF Sketchfest is the three-way comedy baby of David Owen, Cole Stratton and Janet Varney and comprises over 200 shows across 19 venues in 16 days. The lineup will go live on the Sketchfest 2016 site today, and tickets on sale this Sunday, November 22nd, at 10 am.
Previously: SFist Interviews: Jeff Goldblum On Jazz, Amy Winehouse, And Visits From Aliens