John Hodgman Returns to SOLID SOUND 2013 to Present Comedy Lineup, 6/22

Comedian, author, television personality and historian John Hodgman returns to Solid Sound 2013 to present another hand-picked line-up of comedic talent on Saturday, June 22. The Solid Sound Festival, brainchild of the Chicago-based musical innovators Wilco, returns to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in North Adams on June 21-23. Tickets are on sale now at solidsoundfestival.com.

"I, John Hodgman, born of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, am once again thrilled and honored to return to curate the comedy stage at Solid Sound."

"Solid Sound is not only one of our area's most important cultural exchange programs between Chicago and New England, but also it is simply the most vibrant, surprising, moving, and fun festival I have attended," said Hodgman, "and I can only hope to do for the comedy stage what Wilco has done for the festival as a whole: create exciting collisions among the most talented people in one of the most beautiful former factories on earth, while also rocking it down to the bones of the ground."

"To that end," he continued, "I have invited four incredible personalities to join me at MASS MoCA's Hunter Center on Saturday afternoon: my Daily Show colleague and senior Latino Correspondent, Al Madrigal; vocal impresario, TED speaker, and cosmic genius Reggie Watts; the incredibly smart and funny author, comedian, and Massachusetts native Jen Kirkman of Chelsea Lately; and Barack Obama, recently re-inaugurated president of the United States. And I am glad to report that three of these people have already said YES."

In other festival-related news, organizers are excited to launch two special culinary experiences to benefit MASS MoCA's charitable education programs. Both events take place on Saturday, and each will feature the food and spirits of the Berkshires, prepared by food artisans and sourced from farms and purveyors in the region. Tickets to either (or both) events are available now from MASS MoCA. These dining events are open only to festival attendees and admission to these events requires a pre-purchased festival ticket.

The first event of Berkshire-grown spirits and hors d'oeuvres takes place in an unrenovated 19th-century mill space at MASS MoCA from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Saturday, June 22. This early evening tasting party (which overlooks the Courtyard D stage) will feature fresh seasonal ingredients from The Farms and small craft makers of the region. Cost is $90 per person and includes tapas-style food and drink served casually. Proceeds will benefit MASS MoCA's Kidspace and educational programs. $50 of the cost is tax-deductible.