Laughing with Dummies: Unpacking the History & Humor of Ventriloquism in America
with Festival Programming
Velvel is the iconic, wisecracking ventriloquist dummy created and voiced by comedian Rickie Layne. Famous for his Yiddish accent and mischievous, sometimes insulting humor, Velvel became a staple of the "Borscht Belt" in the Catskills before catapulting to national fame with dozens of appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Festival Programming
Experience New York Comedy, Cuisine, & Culture
July 24 - 26, 2026 in the heart of The Catskills!
This multimedia event brings together scholars, performers, and the children of comedy legends to explore how ventriloquism shaped the voice and wit of a nation.
Featuring:
- Kelly Benning, daughter of iconic ventriloquist Rickie Layne. She will share memories of her father and his legendary dummy, Velvel—the Yiddish-inflected star who made dozens of appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show.
- A Special Guest: Velvel himself! Recently restored, this beloved dummy is coming out of retirement to make a special appearance at the event.
- Al Getler, a seasoned ventriloquist and the director of the prestigious Vent Haven International Ventriloquist Convention.
Moderated by: Pop culture historian Ron MacCloskey.
Velvel is the iconic, wisecracking ventriloquist dummy created and voiced by comedian Rickie Layne. Famous for his Yiddish accent and mischievous, sometimes insulting humor, Velvel became a staple of the "Borscht Belt" in the Catskills before catapulting to national fame with dozens of appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Festival Programming
Experience New York Comedy, Cuisine, & Culture
July 24 - 26, 2026 in the heart of The Catskills!