TOM SCHARPLING
Tom Scharpling has hosted the weekly radio call-in comedy program, The Best Show with Tom Scharpling, for 18 years. He and his comedy parter Jon Wurster released a 16 disc compilation of their greatest hits, The Best of the Best Show, in 2015 to critical acclaim. He is also known as the voice of Greg Universe on the hit Cartoon Network animated series Steven Universe and as a writer-executive producer for the Emmy Award–winning show Monk. In his new book, It Never Ends, Scharpling is sharing a story he has never told before—his own harrowing coming of age. He chronicles the lengths he has gone to pull away from the brink of self-destruction, his difficult rehabilitation and how he committed himself to reinvention through the world of comedy. With this memoir, he lifts the curtain to let light in on the turmoil that still follows him, how he’s risen above his circumstances to get the most out of life, while steamrolling the chumps along the way. Twitter
MOHANAD ELSHIEKY
Mohanad Elshieky is “an undisputed genius of comedy,” according to The Portland Mercury. He made his national TV debut on Conan, has been featured on Comedy Central, and has toured with Pop Up Magazine. In 2018, he appeared in an episode of Epix’s “Unprotected Sets” and was listed as one of Thrillist’s 50 Best Undiscovered Comics. Mohanad, who is currently a digital producer on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, has a special skill for making you laugh at the seemingly unlaughable. The Libyan-born comedian combines a deceptively laid-back demeanor with his whip-smart perspective on politics and culture. and he’s been featured on podcasts such as Lovett or Leave It, Pod Save The People and Harmontown. Elshieky zeroes in on topics that seem off limits – then surprises you with how hard you’re laughing. Website • Twitter
KAVEH AKBAR
Kaveh Akbar is the author of Calling a Wolf a Wolf and has received honors such as a Levis Reading Prize and multiple Pushcart Prizes. Born in Tehran, Iran, he teaches at Purdue University and in low-residency programs at Warren Wilson and Randolph Colleges. His latest collection, Pilgrim Bell, explores everything from recovery from addiction as well as making a life as a Muslim in an Islamophobic nation. Website
MAITA
MAITA is a Portland-based indie rock band fronted by Maria Maita-Keppeler. Named Portland’s Best New Band of 2020 by Willamette Week and selected as a “Song of the Day” by KEXP, The group released their debut full-length album, “Best Wishes” on the Kill Rock Stars label in May of last year. NPR calls the album “a clear-eyed look at growing up and holding yourself responsible for actively creating the life you want to live instead of just waiting around for it to happen.” Website • Bandcamp
