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

DETROIT, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 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:

• Detroit Future Healers: Connects high school students with Karmanos researchers and clinicians through lab tours, field trips and mentorship.
• The Biomedical Career Advancement Pipeline: A six-week summer research experience.
• The Medical Mentor Pathway Program: Provides upperclassmen high school and undergraduate students with shadowing and mentorship through two-week rotations with physicians and scientists across 16 specialties.
• Cancer Biology NextGen Scholars: Offers students a 10-week mentored cancer research experience at Karmanos and Wayne State University.
• Cancer Biology Graduate Program: Supports Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., and M.S. students, emphasizing basic, translational and population science research, complemented by specialized training programs in community outreach, career mentoring and research workshops.
• Medical Physics Graduate Program: Equips students with the expertise to advance radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging and nuclear medicine, developing both the tools and the talent essential to precision cancer care.

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

Bringing the Healing Laughs at Karmanos Comedy Champions

Host: Jade Springart, 101 WRIF
We are excited to have Jade Springart, director of Rock Programming and midday host on 101 WRIF, to host Karmanos Comedy Champions. Jade has a natural ability to crack jokes, and with her deep roots here in Detroit, she'll bring the excitement that the crowd is expecting.

"I am honored to be a part of the Karmanos Comedy Champions event," expressed Springart. "This disease affects so many people in so many different ways, and this event is such a great opportunity to bring people together to share their experiences and share a laugh."

Opening Act: Hip-Prov
The night begins with Hip-Prov, a Detroit-based improv group. Hip-Prov is a new concept game show that blends improvisation with hip-hop music. Hosted and produced by Tam White, a local comedic performer, the idea came about during the pandemic and has blossomed into a presence in the comedy space across the state. Audience members may join in the fun, offering suggestions and even taking the stage with the performers.

Headliner: Michael Kosta
Southeast Michigan native, Michael Kosta, will grace the stage with his side-splitting humor. The Emmy-winning host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central is well known for his numerous late-night appearances, including The Tonight Show, Conan, Seth Meyers, and @midnight. Currently, his Comedy Central stand-up special, Michael Kosta: Detroit. NY. LA. is now streaming, and he can be seen on Tracy Morgan's new NBC series, The Rise and Fall of Reggie Dinkins. Kosta is a former professional tennis player who now hosts the podcast Tennis Anyone, contributes to the Tennis Channel, and published the memoir "Lucky Loser," chronicling his path from the court to comedy.

"I'm excited to return to Michigan to headline a show that will impact future cancer researchers in Detroit," Kosta shared. "Cancer isn't funny, but Karmanos realizes sometimes you do need to laugh to feel better, and that's what this night is all about. No one knows better than Karmanos just how precious life is, so let's celebrate our lives and raise some money for life-saving cancer research along the way."

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.

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.

The Karmanos Comedy Champions flyer and images are available for download here.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Karmanos Cancer Institute is a leader in transformative cancer care, research and education through courage, commitment and compassion. The Karmanos vision is a world free of cancer. As part of McLaren Health Care, Karmanos is the largest provider of cancer care and research in Michigan. For more than 75 years, the administrative and research headquarters, along with the premier specialty cancer hospital, have been located in downtown Detroit. With multiple network sites, Karmanos delivers world-renowned care and access to clinical trials throughout Michigan and northern Ohio. The National Cancer Institute recognizes Karmanos as one of the best cancer centers in the nation with a comprehensive cancer center designation. Its academic partnership with the Wayne State University School of Medicine provides the framework for cancer research and education – defining new standards of care and improving survivorship. For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS (800-527-6266) or visit karmanos.org. Follow Karmanos on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute