Four Comics Advance to Saturday's Finals

Four comics advanced to Saturday’s finals of the 2012 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival’s professional stand-up competition after performing before an appreciative crowd — and three judges — Thursday night.

Owen Smith of New York City, Ben Bizuneh of Bloomington, Ind., Dave Waite of Ludlow, Ky., and Harry Terjanian of New York City all will perform again Saturday to compete for the festival’s top prize.

They’ll be joined by four more comedians who advance out of Friday night’s semifinal performance.

Ryan Hamilton and Jake Johannsen also performed Thursday evening and will take to the stage of the Johnny Carson Theatre again Friday night.

Tickets remain for the festival’s remaining performances by going online at www.greatamericancomedyfestival.com or at the theater.