MARQUETTE — Local animal lovers are in for a treat when the comedians from Raise the Woof come to Ishpeming Friday.

The event, sponsored by the Upper Peninsula Animal Shelter, will begin at 8:30 p.m. at River Rock Lanes & Banquet Center and features comedians Steve Mazan and Cal Murata. Proceeds from the event will benefit UPAWS.

Both Mazan and Murata are affiliated with Raise the Woof, a group of comedians who are committed to spreading awareness and raising money for animal rescues and shelters.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets for the show are $20 each or two for $30 and are available online at www.upaws.org. Tickets will also be available at the door but all tickets purchased at the venue will be $20. Cocktails and appetizers will be available at the event, with a 50/50 raffle also taking place.

The two comedians who will be performing have both received national recognition.

Mazan is an Emmy award-winning writer after a stint writing for the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Mazan has previously performed on the David Letterman Show and delivers a style of comedy which has been described as “clean and clever.” Mazan was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 and was only given five years to live. His journey was made into the documentary “Dying to do Letterman” and he later wrote a book with the same name. Visit his website at www.stevemazan.com for a taste of his comedy.

Murata is an up-and-coming comedian who has already accomplished much in his young career, having performed in cities all over the United States and Canada.

Murata has also done a TEDx talk, which has helped to spread his comedy online. He is the host of the “Name Your Shame” podcast. Check out some of his work on YouTube.

A second Raise the Woof event is scheduled for

The show will benefit the Copper Country Humane Society and is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets for that event are the same price as the Ishpeming show and are available to be purchased at www.cchumanesociety.com and can also be bought at the door.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.