How the Laugh Festival was Born

“One good joke can travel the world. Make a difference with your jokes.”

The idea for the Santa Barbara Laugh Festival started with a spark from a Special Comedy Tribute to the one and only Carol Burnett by the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. I was extremely honored and fortunate to be asked to write, direct, and co-produce this fundraising event.

It was a spectacular night, remembered and recognized today, raising $220,000.00 with many laughs.

Carol Burnet and a long list of Santa Barbara stakeholders empowered my desire to contribute to our beloved Santa Barbara in new ways yet to be sustained. So, I committed to producing the Santa Barbara Laugh Festival.

As with all great ideas between today and the night of conception, our community had to jump many hurdles. Coupled with fires, debris flow, mudslides (digging out friends, both passed and living), and the COVID epidemic, One by one, these events methodically altered community experiences in Santa Barbara.

In conversations with community leaders, it seemed that Santa Barbara stopped laughing. But we are a community of action. No matter the circumstances, finding comedy in all events helps transform the moment. Laughter helps heal, unite, and create peace with the person laughing.

The Santa Barbara Laugh Festival is committed to participating in conversations that make a difference. Our weekly Santa Barbara Comedy Clubs Shows help secure laughter all year round.

When Santa Barbara Speaks, the World listens.

From technology producers to content creators and technology distributors, one good statement from the right people in Santa Barbara will reach millions, if not billions, of people worldwide.

One thing is certain: the Santa Barbara Community has been and will continue to be the genesis of many global conversations that impact people worldwide.

“One good person can transform the world by sharing stories that matter.”

I could share much more about my personal single-dad journey as a black man raising two white daughters in Montecito, CA. The comedy is endless, and the education is priceless. The extraordinary people I’ve met, learned from, and become friends with throughout Santa Barbara continue to help me “live a lifestyle making a difference.”

United, the Santa Barbara Laugh Festival brings peace, love, and laughter to the forefront of Santa Barbara and the communities we reach worldwide.

Luis Moro, Executive Director