Here are just a few of the many articles, interviews, and other mentions in the media.
With more than 20 years of comedy production and thousands upon thousands of shows to his credit, it’s safe to say Matt Kemple is Milwaukee’s—and is among Wisconsin’s—most decorated and longest tenured comedy figures.
Milwaukee Record, July 2025
Comedy producer Matt Kemple has kept Milwaukee laughing for 20 years
Milwaukee Record, July 25, 2025
Now 20 years and literally thousands of shows later, Matt Kemple is still bringing touring talent to town, giving local comics amazing opening opportunities, and continuing to make Milwaukee laugh.
Sorta Ridiculous: Matt Kemple
Sorta Ridiculous Productions, Apr 19, 2024
Matt Kemple, comedy producer and owner of the Laughing Tap, kicks it with Sorta Ridiculous to talk about his journey producing comedy, the history of Milwaukee’s comedy scene, and advice for producing comedy shows. Part 1 | Part 2
Milwaukee Comedy Festival Returns
Cofounder Matt Kemple discusses how his festival put comedy on the map in Milwaukee.
Shepherd Express, Sep. 27, 2024
“Even if people haven’t heard of the Milwaukee Comedy Festival,” proposes Matt Kemple, one of the festival’s founders as well as owner of The Laughing Tap comedy club, “it has probably been an influence if you have seen live comedy in the city.
Milwaukee Comedy’s Matt Kemple on the ‘Need to Laugh’
Shepherd Express, June 14, 2019
“Comedy has always been a part of my life. Humor was something my family instilled in me at a very young age. I never meant to make a living off of comedy, I sort of fell into it, and over time, the business grew to where it is today.”
Exploring the Growing Milwaukee Comedy Scene
TMJ4 Morning Blend, Jan 21, 2019
The organization Milwaukee Comedy started in 2008 as a website sharing upcoming comedy shows in our city. They eventually started putting together 2-4 shows of their own each year; and now they have grown to producing 85 different comedy shows in 2018, featuring big names such as Colin Quinn, Todd Barry, Lizz Winstead and more.
No club, no problem: Comedy producers fill void with shows in breweries, bars, and basements
Milwaukee Record, January 24, 2018
A few dedicated local producers and performers have taken it upon themselves to fill the city’s comic void by bringing comedians and shows they—and many others—would like to see to Milwaukee breweries, bar rooms, and even the Grand Avenue Mall basement.
Matt Kemple is the person responsible for many of those shows.
On The Record Episode 102: Milwaukee Comedy Festival and Fringe Fest co-founder Matt Kemple
On The Record Podcast, July 19, 2017
Matt Kemple is a busy man. When he’s not producing theatrical events and comedy showcases at the Underground Collaborative (which he founded and manages), he’s booking nationally known comedians like Godfrey, Nick Thune, Neil Hamburger, Andy Kindler, and Joe Mande at venues around town as part of his Milwaukee Comedy endeavor.
