Comedian Michael Kosta Headlines Karmanos Comedy Champions on New October Date, Hosted by 101 WRIF’s Jade Springart

If you missed your chance in the first round, get your tickets today to this unforgettable evening of laughter and good vibes, supporting high school and postgraduate students training in oncology research and clinical care careers

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute has rescheduled its debut comedy show fundraiser to Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. Stakeholders, donors, cancer survivors, caregivers, staff, and the community will come together for a night of laughter at Karmanos Comedy Champions. This unique event is "where courage meets comedy." Comedian Michael Kosta, known for his career in stand-up comedy and late-night television, including as a host on The Daily Show, has agreed to headline for this rescheduled date. Proceeds from the event will support the cancer research training programs led by Karmanos' Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination. Karmanos Comedy Champions will be held at The Harmonie Club in Detroit (311 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48226) from 6 to 11 p.m.

"It's the same great material we were looking forward to in May, but the best comedy comes to those who wait," said Arnold D'Ambrosio, chief development officer at Karmanos Cancer Institute. "Cancer research and patient advocates will be under one roof with a common goal: to support the future of oncology research. These students will become the future scientists in the labs at Karmanos, continuing the work that our researchers are currently doing.

"We can't express our gratitude enough to Michael Kosta and Hip-Prov for sticking with us and agreeing to still help us in this important effort as we fixed a glitch in our calendars. The money that we raise at this fun event will assist in providing students with the fundamentals, mentorships, and guidance they need to begin a successful career and align with Karmanos' vision of 'a world free of cancer' through future breakthrough treatments and discoveries."

Building the Pipeline for Discovery

The Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) supports education, mentorship and career development across every stage of learning, from middle school students discovering science for the first time to postdoctoral researchers advancing breakthroughs in cancer biology. Led by Morhaf Al Achkar, M.D., Ph.D., MS, FAAFP, associate center director of Education at Karmanos, the program's impact extends across Michigan and beyond, creating a robust and sustainable pipeline of future scientists, clinicians and educators.

"We are sparking the curiosity of the next generation to carry forward the vital work of understanding cancer and developing better treatments-and ultimately, a cure," said Dr. Al Achkar. "By giving students direct experiences and mentorship that can grow over time, we help them see the possibilities of a career in oncology and scientific research. With our National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center designation and our strong partnership with Wayne State, the long-term goal is for these students to pursue further education and training and ultimately bring their expertise back to Detroit."

CRTEC programs include:

Learn more about what CRTEC provides students at karmanos.org/crtec.

Bringing the Healing Laughs at Karmanos Comedy Champions

Afterparty Entertainment: Green Machine

After the show, Green Machine will perform. This is a band made up of Michigan State University alumni who love jamming together. It's a five-person band: one of the band members is a tongue cancer survivor who received his treatment at Karmanos, and two are radiologists, one of whom is a cancer survivor.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with a strolling dinner. Hip-Prov will open the night at 8:05 p.m., and Michael Kosta will take the stage at 8:45 p.m. Lastly, the afterparty starts at 9:45 p.m. with Green Machine's performance and desserts.

Get Your Tickets

Previous ticket holders, don't worry - your seat is secured! Tickets and sponsorships purchased for the canceled May comedy show will be honored for the Oct. 2 show.

For those who did not purchase their tickets in the spring, now is the time to do so. General admission for the Karmanos Comedy Champions is $250 and includes admission to the event and afterparty. Champion tickets are $350, and include event admission, preferred show seating, afterparty admission, and access to the meet-and-greet with Michael Kosta.

Sponsorships are still available.

To buy tickets or to commit to a sponsorship, visit karmanos.org/comedychampions, email [email protected], or call 248-226-2163.

Download the flyer here.

Can't Attend? You Can Still Give to the Future of Cancer Research

For those who may not be able to attend Karmanos Comedy Champions, but would still like to support the CRTEC programming, click here to donate.