First Three Finalists Named for ‘Funniest Person in the Hudson Valley’

These three comedians will make it through to round two of the Funniest Person in the Hudson Valley contest.

Eight amateur comedians took the stage at Laugh It Up in Poughkeepsie on Friday night to battle their way to the final round.

Comedians Andy McDermott, Nicole Pressler and Pete Vino earned the top votes, allowing them to advance to the finals at Laugh It Up on Saturday, October 14 at 8pm.

The three comedians will compete against three other finalists that will be chosen this Friday, September 29 at Joker's Comedy Club in Chester. Tickets for the last semi-final round are free, but it's suggested that you reserve them in advance.

McDermott earned a record amount of votes to come in first place in the semi-finals. Here's a sample of why the audience decided to send him to the final round.

John Donovan, who came in fourth place at round one has been invited back for a second shot at the finals. He'll join seven other comedians in their last chance to earn the title of "Funniest Person in the Hudson Valley."