WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) today announced Carlos Mencia and Cheech Marin will appear at its annual Reyes of Comedy Night at the Warner Theatre in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, October 2, 2007.  The Reyes of Comedy Night is part of CHCI’s 30^th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month events, paying tribute to the contributions of Latinos and raising funds for its nationally recognized leadership development programs.

Carlos Mencia, host of Comedy Central’s Mind of Mencia, headlines a bill that includes legendary Latino comic and actor Cheech Marin as the host.  Also appearing are Alex Reymundo of the Latin Kings of Comedy tour, Lisa Alvarado of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and Kiki Melendez, creator of the “Hot Tamales Live” all-female variety show.

“The Reyes of Comedy Night features the best Latino talent from around the nation and is a highlight of CHCI’s Hispanic Heritage Month events every year,” said Esther Aguilera, CHCI President and CEO.  “Since 1978, CHCI has helped develop the next generation of Latino leaders and Reyes of Comedy Night supports that mission.”

Produced by Sí TV and Anheuser-Busch, Reyes of Comedy Night is one of three CHCI events commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month.  CHCI’s 2007 Public Policy Conference and 30^th Annual Gala will be held at the Washington, DC, Convention Center from October 1-3, 2007.   For more information, go to www.chci.org.

Carlos Mencia, superstar/stand-up comedian, is undoubtedly one of today’s most lauded entertainers and feared comics.  He is the host of Comedy Central’s Mind of Mencia, currently in its third season and one of the most popular shows in the network’s history.  Mencia is currently slated to star opposite Ben Stiller and Michelle Monaghan in the new Farrelly Brothers’ feature film, THE HEARTBREAK KID (DreamWorks).  This fall, Mencia will also headline a nationwide comedy tour titled CARLOS MENCIA LIVE PRESENTED BY BUD LIGHT. 

Cheech Marin is best known as one half of the hilariously irreverent, satirical, counter-culture, no-holds-barred duo Cheech and Chong.  Cheech is an actor, director, writer, musician, art collector and humanitarian, a man who has enough talent, humor and intelligence to do just about anything. He is truly a multi-generational star—or as Cheech jests, “People know me from the womb to the tomb.” To this day, Cheech and Chong films remain the number one weekend video rentals, and Cheech is widely acknowledged as a cultural icon.

Alex Reymundo is best known as one of the “Original Latin Kings of Comedy,” alongside George Lopez, Cheech Marin, Paul Rodriguez and Joey Medina. He recently inked a development deal with Showtime, where he will star in a comedy series project, “Hick-Spanic,” as well as to headline his own one-hour stand-up comedy special of the same name and host the upcoming comedy specials, “The Latin Divas of Comedy” and “Payaso Comedy Slam.”

Lisa Alvarado’s talent as a comedian has given her the opportunity to perform all across America as well as several regional Comedy Festivals. She currently performs in the top clubs nationally, colleges, and corporate shows. Lisa’s TV appearances include NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”, Nick at Nite’s “The Search for the Funniest Mom in America 2,” SiTv, and “Que Loco Comedy Jam,” to name a few.

Kiki Melendez is an actress, writer, producer, host and creator of Hot Tamales Live! - A talent showcase that celebrates diversity in America through performances by comediennes, sketch artists and dancers. Melendez has extensive theater background both as an actress and producer. She also owns a production company called Latin Hollywood Films.

About Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders.  The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit leaders and corporate executives.  For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visit www.chci.org.

About Sí TV

Sí TV is the first English-language, Latino-themed network.  Connecting with 18-34 year-old viewers, Sí TV‘s 60% original programming slate features hip and culturally-relevant shows including the latest in entertainment, music, lifestyle, comedy and independent films.  The network launched in February 2004 and is available nationwide on Dish Network and in 13 million homes across the country on Cox, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon, among others.  For more information on Sí TV, please visit www.sitv.com.