Rabbi Bob Alper
There’s a reason why XM and Sirius satellite radio play Rabbi Bob Alper’s bits several times daily, often sandwiched between Bob Newhart and Bill Cosby: Bob’s unique background…he’s an ordained rabbi who served congregations for fourteen years and holds a doctorate from Princeton Theological Seminary…prepared him well for a twenty-year comedy career with wonderfully unique material presented in a way that’s intelligent, sophisticated, and 100% clean.
Audiences adore him, from an SRO crowd at the prestigious Montreal Comedy Festival to a standing ovation before 2,700 people at New York’s famed Chautauqua Institution. He’s even appeared at The Hollywood IMPROV.
Bob performs all across North America and England, at corporate events, theatres, non-profits, conventions, private parties, churches, and, naturally, synagogues. And he’s done over 100 shows with his Arab and Muslim comedy partners, at a variety of venues, but primarily colleges and universities.
Bob’s 90-minute stand-up act is fast-paced, with impeccable timing and material that’s definitely sharp yet gentle and unhurtful. In addition, he offers an informative, hilarious event called “The Spirituality of Laughter,” which is particularly appropriate for religious organizations, civic groups, school and hospital in-services, etc.
The rabbi-comedian draws tremendous media attention, and, among others, has been seen on Good Morning America, Showtime, the BBC, CNN, and was featured on Extra, TV's top-rated entertainment program, immediately following a segment on the size of Jennifer Lopez's buttocks.
In addition to being a full-time stand-up comic and conducting annual High Holyday services, Bob is the author of two books that further showcase his considerable talents: Life Doesn't Get Any Better Than This, an inspirational collection now in its fifth printing, and the award-winning full-color cartoon book A Rabbi Confesses. He’s also produced two best-selling comedy CDs.
Bob resides in rural Vermont with his wife Sherri, a psychotherapist. They are empty-nest parents of Zack and Jessie.
Azhar Ussman
Azhar Usman is a Chicago-based standup comedian.
He is the co-founder of “Allah Made Me Funny–The Official Muslim Comedy Tour,” and he has performed in over a dozen countries on five continents.
Azhar and the Tour have been covered by over 100 major world media outlets,
He has shared the stage with many of his favorite comedians including Dave Chappelle, Jim Gaffigan, Russell Peters, Todd Barry, and the late Mitch Hedberg.
Azhar recently produced a concert/documentary project entitled “ALLAH MADE ME FUNNY–LIVE IN CONCERT,” which is a Kings-of-Comedy-style feature-length concert film. Additionally, he is star and creator of “TINKU’S WORLD,” a semi-scripted alternative web comedy show, and he is also developing a television show and a humor book project.
