andPOP - Pop Culture With Substance

The Just for Laughs Festival will kick off its second year in Toronto at the Wintergarden Theatre on Wednesday night.

CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulos (try to say that ten times fast) hosts Wednesday’s festivities, The All-Star Ethnic Show, a showcase of ethnic comedians.

The show hosted by Strombo will feature comedians from Canada, the U.S. and Britain. Most noticeable is Shaun Majumder whose previous roles include “This Hour Has 22 Minutes” and in the film, “Harold and Kumar”.

A gala will also be hosted by comedian and “SCTV” alum Martin Short. Other comedians at the festival who have gala hosting duties include Jason Alexander from Seinfeld and Jimmy Fallon from Saturday Night Live.

The festival runs from July 23 to July 27.

Canadian comedy fans had better do some crunches to prepare for some serious laughs.

“SCTV” alums Catherine O’Hara, Andrea Martin, Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty, Martin Short and Harold Ramis, are performing for a second time tonight at the Second City Theatre in Toronto.

According to the CBC, the reunion is part of the Benefit of Laughter, a fundraiser for Second City’s staff members who need help financially.

Combining some classic sketches and improv sets, the reunion could become an annual event if it is successful.