Beloved phan, comedian, writer, musician, and Parks and Recreation executive producer Harris Wittels, who died in 2015 following a drug overdose, will be honored at a new memorial festival year dubbed Harris Phest. Wittels was a gifted comedian and known Phish fan, serving as our favorite tour guide through the cosmos (sorry) as cohost with Scott Aukerman on the Earwolf podcast Analyze Phish. The phestival is being organized by his sister, Stephani Wittels-Wachs, and will take place on April 20th–Harris’s birthday–in Houston, Texas, at 8th Wonder Brewery.
As a tribute to Wittels on what would have been his 33rd birthday, the day will serve up things that Wittels would have loved, such as a performance by Phish cover band A Live One, stand-up comedy shows, and a special-edition Humblebraggot Beer, named after Wittels introduced the word “humblebrag” into the common lexicon with his 2012 book, Humblebrag: The Art of False Modesty. The day will also serve as an exhibition of Wittels’ hilarious work and gift of comedy, with selections from his book, best tweets (@twittels), and Parks and Recreation clips also showcased throughout the day.
Proceeds for the event will go toward the Harris Wittels Fund, which supports Houston’s High School For The Performing And Visual Arts. You can get more information about Harris Phest here. Rest in peace Harris, you are missed.
[H/T A.V. Club]