On The Record

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. This August, Milwaukee Comedy Festival—which Kemple founded and produces—will turn 12 years old. Later that month, he'll co-produce the second annual Milwaukee Fringe Festival, which he co-founded as well. Though Kemple can rarely get out of his office at this point in the year, he did set aside some time to let host Tyler Maas swing by his abode to share a few beers and talk about his whirlwind August. The pair discussed each day of the Fest (starting with our semi-affiliated Roast Of Milwaukee event), the decision to move the majority of the festival to the Underground Collaborative, and how the event has quickly grown to a level capable of bringing talents like Michael Ian Black and