Comedy Night at Slater’s featuring Tony V with special guest Emily Ruskowski and host Ryan Ellington
Samuel Slater’s Hall │ Friday, June 26, 2026 │ Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:30 PM
21+ Event / Valid ID Required │ This event is non-refundable
Tony V is a Boston comedy legend who began his stand-up career in 1982 after discovering Boston’s famed Comedy Connection. Known for his street-wise humor and sharp take on everyday life, he quickly rose to headliner status nationwide. In 1986, Showtime named him “Funniest Person in Massachusetts,” leading to appearances on HBO, A&E, Comedy Central, and MTV. He was also the voice of the famous American Tourister gorilla in the iconic luggage commercials. Tony has appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Seinfeld, Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist, and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, along with films including State and Main, Celtic Pride, and Shakes the Clown. A favorite on the Boston comedy scene, Tony has performed with Jay Leno, Dennis Miller, Steven Wright, Adam Sandler, and famously opened for Bill Burr at the first stand-up comedy show ever held at Fenway Park.
Emily Ruskowski is a Boston-based standup comedian. She has performed across the country and participated in several comedy festivals. In 2015, she was named of one the Comedy Studio’s Comics in Residence and opened for Maria Bamford at the Wilbur
Growing up, Ryan Ellington was the kid always cracking jokes with his friends. “I always felt the most comfortable when I was being funny,” said Ellington, who grew up in Wilbraham and attended Minnechaug Regional High School. “Whether it was just trying to have good time with friends or trying to mask my insecurities, that was just kind of my role.” Ellington is now a successful comedian living in the Boston area, but before he started writing his own material, and later, headlining shows, he was drawn to popular shows on TV.
