When CAMP Rehoboth invited comedian and author Zach Zimmerman to headline Sun Festival, it was the moment Zimmerman realized it was possible to make a living making people laugh.
CAMP Rehoboth, an LGBTQ community center in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, will hold its annual Sun Festival fundraiser over Labor Day weekend, August 30th and 31st. Prior to the event, opening act Corey Andrew and headliner Zimmerman spoke to the Washington Blade.
Andrew is a singer, songwriter, comedian, media personality, and part-time resident of Rehoboth. After opening at Sun Festival last year, Andrew was asked to return for a 15-minute set. He said upcoming performances will be heartfelt, passionate and fun.
“We want to leave them with a little something for the big dance party the next night,” Andrew said.
The next night, DJ Robbie Leslie and DJ Joe Gauslow perform at a dance party at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
Being an LGBTQ artist influences Andrew’s work, he said. When he started, there weren’t many examples of out artists. Andrew said he loves sharing stories about overcoming adversity, finding your true voice, turning off the noise, and becoming the best version of yourself.
“I’ve been in this business for a long time, and the early years were filled with a lot of challenges,” Andrew said. “Being who I am and wholeheartedly accepting who I am, all of that influences my creative choices. I’m a gay black man. That’s what I know. That’s what my art reflects, and trying to be anything else is not true to my art.”
Looking to the future, Andrew said his dream is to perform with a professional orchestra, the Delmarva Big Band.
Zimmerman, who is developing new material for Sun Festival, said comedy is a powerful art form that has so much to offer and connects people in a physical space. Zimmerman strives to be vulnerable about the stories told in her performances, and said that when you share your desires and needs in a vulnerable way, community can emerge.
“What a blessing to be able to look back on your life and get a job by reflecting on your life,” Zimmerman said. “So do it because you’re interested, keep doing it because you believe in it, and if it hurts too much, give up.”
Sun Festival marks the end of summer and is an opportunity to enjoy one last night and reflect on everything that has happened, Zimmerman said. After the fundraiser, Zimmerman plans to go on tour in the fall and write his second book.
“Comedy can disarm people. Comedy can make people feel welcome. Everyone loves to laugh,” Zimmerman said. “I think comedy can and has changed the world, for better or for worse.”
Tickets for Sun Festival can be purchased below. camprehobos.org.
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
