A tribute to Chris Rock and the return of "Comic Relief" highlight the second The Comedy Festival at Caesars Palace, which also brings back a range of familar Las Vegas performers, from Dane Cook to Don Rickles, Nov. 14-18.
Tickets for most events went on sale Friday; organizers say more shows may be announced to the festival that expands from three to five days this year.
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The festival is co-promoted by HBO and AEG Live, which operates the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. This year, all events are at Caesars; the outdoor amphitheater in front of the casino will replace the Flamingo showroom used last year.
A "village" with sponsor booths and a free entertainment stage hosted by "American Idol" contestant Mikalah Gordon is scheduled for an area in front of Caesars.
There is no film component to the festival this year.
Among the highlights:
• "Comic Relief" reunites founders Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams for a live closing-day broadcast on HBO and TBS on Nov. 18. Originally formed to help the homeless, this year's event will benefit Katrina victims and the rebuilding of New Orleans. Tickets are $95-$300.
• Chris Rock will receive the festival-created Comedian Award, in a one-hour panel session with comedians to be announced, on Nov. 17. Last year, Rock was one of the panelists presenting the inaugural award to Jerry Seinfeld. Tickets are $59.09.
• "Dane Cook's Tourgasm Tour" follows up on Cook's HBO series with two concerts in the Colosseum on Nov. 17. Cook is joined by Gary Gulman, Robert Kelly and Jay Davis. Tickets are $59.09-$113.64.
• TV and radio tie-ins include a live version of the MTV show "Nick Cannon Presents Wild 'N Out" on Nov. 15 and "Friends of the Bob and Tom Radio Show Comedy Tour" on Nov. 16.
• Packaged shows include a raunchy "For Adults Only" showcase hosted by Bob Saget at 1 a.m. on Nov. 18, "Maxim Real Men of Comedy" with Joe Rogan, Charlie Murphy and John Heffron on Nov. 18 and "Oh, Oh, Oh... The Tom Joyner Comedy Show" with Mike Epps, Mo'Nique, Damon Wayans and Katt Williams on Nov. 15.
• Additional stand-up shows include Don Rickles on Nov. 15, Mario Cantone on Nov. 16, Saget (separate from the adult showcase) on Nov. 17, Kathy Griffin on Nov. 18 and a co-bill of Pablo Francisco and Gabriel Iglesias, also Nov. 18.
Tickets are available at the Colosseum box office, Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.thecomedyfestival.com.
