LEWISTON — Maine Event Comedy’s Tightest Five contest at Bear Bones Beer will continue with the semifinal round at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15.

Mark Turcotte will host 10 hopefuls as they perform their best five minutes of original material, with five advancing to the finals. Along with bragging rights, the winner’s prize package includes paid work, professional headshots and craft beer.

Semifinal contestants include Brendan Williams, Jeff Medoff, AJ O’Connell, Jim Martin, Jed Bloom, Mike Johnson, Adam Hatch, David McLaughlin, Ryan Ellington and Sam Pelletier.

“New England’s Most Unique Comedian” Bill Picard will be the evening’s featured comedian. Born with cerebral palsy and confined to a wheelchair, Picard has used his physical disability to educate and entertain. He’s performed throughout Maine and was a finalist in Portland’s Funniest Professional Contest. Refusing to let his condition slow him down, Picard earned a business degree at the University of Maine, owns several rental properties and tours as a motivational speaker.

A comedy open mic will follow the show.

The finals will take place Thursday, March 15, featuring a performance from Nickelodeon TV’s “Funniest Mom in America” finalist, Karen Morgan.

The show is free and for those age 21 and older. Bear Bones Beer is located at 43 Lisbon St. FMI: call 207-513-0742 or e-mail maineeventcomedy@gmail.com.