Issue 05 | May 2019
NUPES IN COMEDY & FASHION
FROM RADIO STAR TO TOURING
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CEDRICK THE ENTERTAINER
Billy Sorrells THE NUPES ALWAYS REPRESENT AND COMEDY IS ONE FIELD WE REALLY LOVE TO SHOW WHAT WE ARE MADE OF N U P E S I N C O M E DY | I S S U E 1
Up Close with the Rolex Deepsea D-Blue and Explaining the Ingenious Ringlock System
Close with the Rolex Deepsea D-Blue 2
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Editor’s Letter
Happy October and welcome to the first issue of NUPES IN COMEDY MAGAZINE. This magazine was born out of the relationship with Evanston and Evanston Woman Magazine. Giant thank you to all of those who helped to make this happen, especially Linda Del Bosque and T-Ray Sanders. This issue is full of Kappa Alpha Psi members I know are comedians (doing big things) I am proud of or interested in showing the world. Kappas achieve highly in every field os endevior and comedy is one we dominate in. This cover story shines a light on Billy Sorrells who seems to be popping up all over the TV and Radio. He is one of the shining future stars of LA. On page 14, We place in front of you Ced the Entertainer who is probably the highest achieving Nupe in comedy we have seen in the present years. Aaron Foster
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Editor In-Chief, NUPES IN COMEDY MAGAZINE,Copyright NUPES IN COMEDY MAGAZINE, all rights resevered. No part should be reproduced or transimitted without permission from NUPES IN COMEDY MAGAZINE,
CONTENTS N U P E I N C O M E DY - I S S U E 0 1
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Nephew Tommy rED gRANT CED THE ENTERTAINER AARON FOSTER bILLY sORRELLS SHED G WILLY AND WOODY T-RAY SANDERS DLAI kEEDAR WHITTLE GENE RENFROE ROBERT POWELL
BROTHERS NAMES OMITED BASED ON THE SIZE OF THE PAGE ONLY
Photos by Evanstonman.com, Google N U P E S I N C O M E DY | I S S U E 5
LL CONGLOMERATE INC Residential & Commercial Randy D. Lobban Maurice Love 773-851-2029 219-313-1789
General Contractors Remodeling Licensed Bonded Insured Serving Illinois Indiana Wisconsin 6
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Call for an Estimate
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“Whether on the stage, big screen, television or radio, Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles continues to demonstrate his remarkable talent to the delight of audiences worldwide”
ephew
OMMY
Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles has built a career that encompasses radio, television, film and more. Thomas’ role as co-host of the nationally syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show puts him in front of a live radio audience of more than 8 million listeners daily. Nephew Tommy provides a key role in the morning show, lighting it up with his own cast of colorful characters and zany humor. Thomas also has a loyal following as a stand-up comedian and has earned a reputation for wowing crowds. For three years, he served as the exclusive opening act on the Luther Vandross tour. July 2016 will be Thomas’ 7th year as the exclusive Mainstage host for the Essence Festival in New Orleans, which draws over 250,000 fans and features acts such as Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Usher, and Kanye West. In October 2010, Thomas recorded his one hour special at the famed Motor City Casino in Detroit. He continues to keep the crowds laughing as he tours nationally to sold out crowds across the country.
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r o f s n o i t s e u “13 Q g n i r u o t e p u s the N m a i l l i W t t a K h t i ” w s s e n d a M / s u i n e G
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Grant
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Def Jam all on the same weekend. And then Teen Summit hired me over at BET. I moved to New York and things just started popping. And then I got into producing movie and films.
03 What was it like to perform at the legendary Apollo theater?
I actually performed there 3 times. The thing about performing there is that the crowd doesn’t really care about who you are, what you do, or what you have done. They’re on you! I destroyed it when I was
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Red Grant an American comedian, actor, writer, and producer. Known for his infectious laugh and his unrelenting work ethic, Red spends a solid forty-eight weeks a year on the road doing standup and is currently hosting Katt Williams’ 11:11 RNS World Tour. wanted to be an R&B singer (laughing). Def Comedy Jam. I was scared during 01 How did you get started in comedy? But I knew a lot of funny dudes in college the audition but I did really well and When was the first time you knew you were funny?. I’d say back in college. I mean, I knew I was funny when I was little after my mom and dad divorced, I would always make her laugh. But even still I didn’t know if I wanted to be a comedian. I
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and at the time I didn’t know that I was knocked it out and ever since then I sharpening my tools but I was really really haven’t had a regular type of job sharpening my tools messing around since. with those guys. So you really didn’t have any other When I got out of college, one of my frat type of job since? brothers told me I should audition for Not after that. I did Apollo also…and
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Typically, we touch over half a million people whenever we tour and I get requests from my fans a lot like “when are you coming out and doing some clubs” and so this summer I decided that I am going to do about 12 or so shows.
08 Is this your way of staying sharp, during the downtime to kind of stay on
your game? To kind of practice your craft? Oh yeah! You can’t get soft out here. You got to stay relevant and stay on stage. Once you top going on stage, it’s over for you as
You’re from DC, right?
Yeah, my family is still there.
like that. (Both laughs)…and he’s a cool genius! Sometimes people kind of like take geniuses and be like you got to be nerdy or whatever. But this dude is super cool. Super respectful. He’s just a cool dude. And another thing people don’t know is that I owe him so much because he’s helped me become a better comedian and helped my career.
10 I heard that you’re an avid golfer. Is that another one of your passions?
Yeah, I started this company called Golf Beef and we got over a half a million hashtags on it. Golf has changed my whole life. And we’ve done six tournaments. The first one we honored Jim Brown. The second one we honored Snoop. The third one we honored Kat Williams. Last year we honored Cedric the Entertainer and Gary Payton. This year it’s Troy Mullins who is the female long ball champion on ESPN. The whole golf thing has changed really changed my whole perspective.
11 How did you come up with the name “Golf Beef?”
on there. I was in the zone. I was 19 years old and really didn’ fear anything. I just gave them what I needed to give them at that time. .
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was hosting Apollo. He really gave me a great intro and made it easy for me.
Well me and Kat just did a movie called 2 minutes of Fame
04 Was that back when Steve Harvey was the host? I can’t remember. Yeah, he
Did he get a chance to give you any advice to help push you along to where you’re at now?
So what else do you have in the works? I know you got the tour and all of that, but what else is coming down the pipeline??
a comedian.
05 Did he get a chance to give you any advice to help push you along to where 09 How’s it like working with Kat you’re at now? Anybody that I come Williams? I know that he’s one of the across as far as a comedian that I respect, they touched me in some way. Even way back to my early days in DC with Chris Thomas and Dave Chappelle.
07 Why don’t you tell me more about your Grow Up tour?
Well, I’ve been touring with Kat Williams This year it’s the 11/11 tour and we just did like 60 cities. But every Summer there’s downtime and we take a break. And then after the break, we do another tour.
hottest comedians out, but he’s also been in the media for a few things. Without trying to go too deep into his personal life, what can you tell us about him that the average person may not know, someone who may only follow him on the news? That he’s a very giving person. I mean he would give his last to a person. So he’s definitely a giving individual. He’s a genius. And like when I say genius, I mean he’s really a genius. I mean you have people out here who say they’re geniuses and they’re not. I think we’ve all met a few people
Basically started because we would trash talk each other on the golf course. And we started calling it “Golf Beef,” so we were like why don’t we trademark it? And it really turned into something special. We’ve given over $50,000 back to kids and youth football. We helped support Snoop and his youth football league.
12 Out of all of your celebrity friends, who is the best golfer?
I’d go with Anthony Anderson because he comes from LA straight from the hood. And you’d never think he would be a golfer. Original article here: The Urban Twist
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“The Top Comedian
!
THE WALK OF FAME IN LA WHATS NEXT FOR CED??/
NUPE The One and Only Cedrick the Entertainer
We are looking for whats next? Ced is the most requested Member of Kappa Alpha Psi in recent history. His style is smoth but hilarious.
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AFTER A RECIEVING HIS WELL DESERVED START ON
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High Achievements
42 States Four Countries Aaron builds his jokes to take people on an adventure into his obscure, boundary pushing comedic world. He delves into interpersonal, pop-culture, concentrating on the black experience and racial relations Challenging himself and his audience to think and laugh at the absurdity of the human experience. AaronFoster.net
Airbnb.com ambassador to Chicago comedy. 2014 Best Comedian (Runner up)- Chicago Reader Newspaper. 2017-18 appearing multiple times on Empire, Chicago PD, Chicago MD and Chicago Fire Aaron has been a constant face. A past co- producer and Co- Host of MANCOW TV and Radio from Chicago and syndicated in up to 76 markets internationally. In 2013, Aaron was a contributing writer for W. Kumau Bell. In 2014, Aaron performed well as a guest host on WGCI Radio Chicago and is part of a substitute hosting team on WVON (Chicago) the voice of Chicago. Staff Writer for FunnyJokes.com. 2014 was the same year Chicago was named -Funniest City in The United Stated (USA Today Newspaper).
Producer Producer of the World Acclaimed “We Love Obama Comedy Tour” Aaron has the ability to produce any tour in your venue. Aaron Foster is host and Co- Producer of The Biggest Stand- up Comedy Show in ChicagoThe Nasty Show. The Nasty Show is every Saturday in The World Famous Laugh Factory- Winner of Chicago Readers- Best Comedy Club -2014. Aaron Foster is a very original and edgy stand-up comic.
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“I never thought of myself as ‘pushy’; only ambitious” N U P E S I N C O M E DY | I S S U E 1 7
LaVar
Walker Our Studio
Lavar Walker is unique because he is the only comedian that holds a Doctorate Degree in Pharmacy.
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aVar Walker is an American comedian and writer. In August 2012, after winning the regional competition for the “Stand up its Miller Time” national comedy championship, he won the final competition in Las Vegas, which came with a $10,000 prize.[1][2] He is currently touring with the Shaquille O’Neal All Star Comedy Jam with shows in cities across the country. Celebrities are touting LaVar’s comedy talents. On October 20, 2012, a YouTube video was posted where Shaquille O’Neal says: “LaVar is funnier than a mother. You know what I’m talking about. Check him out on YouTube.”[4] In a Chicago Sun-Times article from March 6, 2013, comedian Kevin Hart said: “Remember the name Lavar Walker because I want to be able to say, ‘I told you so!’ The guy is a legitimate comedic star.”
Fresh off his win for the Miller Lite Comedy Competition that was judged by superstar comedian Kevin Hart, comedian Lavar Walker has just officially joined the Shaq Comedy All Star Jam Tour! We hear that the tour, which has comedians Capone, Tony Roberts, Robert Powell and hosted by Gary Owen is about to kick off 25 cities across the country with Lavar Walker opening the tour. We hear that with his incredible T.I. impersonation, Walker (who is also has a Doctorate degree in Pharmacy) has plans to also join another possible tour at the conclusion of this tour.
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Cover Story
B
illy Sorrells is an American comedian, actor, and filmmaker who is one of the new recurring cast members of Season 8 of Wild ‘N Out on MTV. He
has also appeared in shows as According To Him + Her, Funniest Wins, Love & Hip Hop.
“Comedy can change the World because it can change people”
I think its so cool that you can pick up the mic and create something that didn’t exist 5 minutes ago. You can saysomething that changes peoples hearts and minds through laughter.
Billy Sorrells
Comedy The Kassanova of
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s SHED G
Kappa Attracts High Achievers
hed G is one in league of his own. This Brother has conquered the Minnessota market as a DJ and on air personality at KFAI - 90.3 FM Minneapolis - 106.7 FM St. Paul. Shedrick Garrett, aka Shed G, is a popular comedian, actor and radio personality. Shed G is a faith-based comedian with a family-friendly style that captivates audiences of all ages and races. Not only is he a great comedian, but he is also an impactful member of his community who enjoys serving as a mentor. He spoke with rolling out about using his gifts to make people happy.
Rolling Out-
What is the best opportunity that was made available to you? Through the blessings and the TV and the movies and being able to play Madea, being on Rickey Smiley’s TV show and “Meet the Browns,” what I am most proud about is to have the youth wanting to listen to what I have to say and being able to make an impact on them. I quietly give away $5K worth of scholarships every summer out of my own money. I make sure I give at least $500 away for SCIDS to a child. They don’t know I am giving it. I watch from afar when I go to schools and speak. I was recently the keynote speaker at the Bridges to Manhood Conference. Having a whole bunch of young men come together and relating to them and letting them know my history and my story.
Can I Vent 22
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Woody & Willie
Comedy Ventriloquist & Gospel Comedian, with Special Guest Woody Christian Comedian Willie Brown is a master ventriloquist and clean comedian that travels with his pal, Woody, and is perfect for your Christian comedy night or outreach event.
Clean Chr istian
Comedy Your choic e of partn er Lots of fu n for all
ages.
LEFT PAGE Multiple pictures NEXT PAGE none
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YOU DON’T KNOW HOW FUNNY WILLIE BROWN AND WOODY ARE UNTIL YOU SEE THEM LIVE. THEY’RE NOT JUST YOUR AVERAGE COMEDIAN/ VENTRILOQUIST TEAM ....... .
Brown takes a different approach to the age old craft by making it fresh, new, and hip for today’s more savvy comedy audiences. It’s not just about seeing him not moving his lips, and hearing Woody speak. “It’s about the jokes”, says Brown. After watching this act for a few moments you forget that Willie is there and it seems as if Woody transcends into a standup comedian on his own. Willie does the set up and Woody gives the punch! Willie Brown is a nationally known ventriloquist who has appeared several times on BET Comic View, HBO DEF Comedy Jam, Loco Comedy Jam, Phaturdays, The Jenny Jones Show, and most recently in a recurring role on the Showtime Network series “Barbershop”. From topics such as the family, church, how to deal with the homeless, to current events, Willie Brown and Woody bring it home.Willie Brown and Woody now perform largely at churches, theaters, colleges, comedy clubs, and corporate events. Brown and his sidekick have headlined
many comedy clubs throughout the country and abroad. They have also performed in England, Amsterdam, South Africa, and the Caribbean. Brown has toured with Cedric The Entertainer, and worked with Steve Harvey, Jamie Foxx, and Mike Epps. He’s opened for a number of well known music artists including Boys To Men, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Chaka Khan, James Brown, Gladys Knight, Al Green, The Whispers and more. THE BIG SCREEN IS NO UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY FOR BROWN. He’s an avid actor and has appeared in the movie “Tears of a Clown” starring Don D.C. Curry, and in “All About You”, a romantic comedy starring Lisa Raye, Debbie Allen, and Rockmond Dunbar, “The Let Out Guys”, which is a comedy short, and his own film “Footcops”, which he wrote and produced. Brown has also made an impact on the commercial world booking national spots for Kellogg’s Eggo Waffle Syrup, American Airlines, McDonald’s, Skittles, and others. In his hard to find spare moments Willie spends his time writing and developing screenplays. ▶ N U P E S I N C O M E DY | I S S U E 2 5
LETS GET TO KNOW Trenton Davis’ ten thousand hours of Stand-up comedy is beginning to show dividends. Trenton was a finalist in NBC’s Standup for Diversity competition. He was also runner up in the 41st San Francisco International Comedy Competition and logged impressive 3rd place finish in the 2015 Laughing Skull Festival as well as 1st place finish in the 2013 Sacramento Comedy festival. Trenton was born in Greensboro, NC and began his comedy journey in Chicago, IL. His unique experiences have shaped his views and created one of the best new comedic writers and performers of our generation. Trenton has lived in three major comedy cities and he is a comedian to watch. Trenton been seen on Laughs on Fox, Bar Rescue and “The Real.”
Trenton was a finalist in NBC’s Standup for Diversity competition. With an impressive3rd place finish in the prestigious 2013 Seattle International Comedy Contest as well as 1st place finish in the 2013 Sacramento Comedy Festival and another 1st place finish in the 2013 World Series of Comedy Raleigh Satellite contest Davis’ He’s carried that momentum into 2014 with a 2nd place finish in the San Diego Comedy Festival. Trenton was raised in a dual parent household in a rural county of Greensboro, NC. He attended a high school that was 97% white and then followed that up with attending a Historically Black College. His unique experiences have shaped his views and created one of the best comedic minds of our generation. Trenton looks at everyday problems (i.e. war,dating, politics) and offers hilarious non-everyday solutions.Trenton has lived in three major comedy cities (Chicago, San Francisco & Los Angeles) and features for over 45 comedy clubs across US. His largest credits to date have been featuring fo r Tracy Morgan, Jon Lovitz, and a television appearance on Bar Rescue. He is currently a writer on the new Beats by Dre Pill campaign.
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Te c h a n d To y s
THE PORSCHE EFFECT
Te c h a n d To y s
A LOOK INTO PORSCHE WITH PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM TO PORSCHE MOTORSPORTS A 1955 550 Spyder
Nupes in Comedy got a a sneak peak at Porsche Effect, the Petersen Automotive Museum latest and greatest exhibit in partnership with Porsche North America. Petersen’s has once again left us floored, decked in decadence and pure Porsche fashion the night and exhibit is one to remember.
The new 935 relies on a twin-turbo 3.8-liter six-cylinder that Porsche says is largely identical to the engine found in the 911 GT2 RS. This engine can put out a 700 horsepower, just like the aforementioned GT2 RS. Mated to its engine is a seven-speed PDK gearbox transmission.
The Porsche Effect Exhibit takes the visitors on an insiders view into the history of Porsche. From 1939 to the present day Sally Carrera. The Exhibit gives a behind the scene look at the brand’s unique design, engineering, advertising, partnerships, and its enviable record of racing triumphs. The Porsche Effect explores the history and impact behind Porsche’s design, engineering, partnerships, and its immaculate racing triumphs.
As for the foundation of the car, it’s based on the incredibly capable 911 GT2 RS sports car. Unlike the 911 GT2 RS, however, this new race car has a long and sweeping body that’s filled with details many enthusiasts would appreciate
The exhibit has some of the world’s most recognizable and desired cars on display. A 1955 550 Spyder and of course the always stylish Steve McQueen’s 356 Speedster. Sit back and let us take it from here, you wont want to miss out on this exclusive and insiders look at Porsche’s rarest and unique cars. 28
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New Porsche 935- A Limited Production Model
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Fans of the classic Porsche 935 can rejoice because a new version of the iconic car has been released. The car’s design was inspired by the 935/78 “Moby Dick” that was in production in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. “This spectacular car is a birthday present from Porsche Motorsport to fans all over the world,” says Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars. This engine can put out a 700 horsepower, just like the 911 GT2 RS
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Montee Rogers Montee Rogers Montee Rogers Montee Rogers Montee Rogers
C U LT U R E
Montee Rogers
I
n May of 2007, Montee made his debut performance at the Virginia Beach Funny Bone and was an instant hit with the crowd. After his debut performance Montee has trail blazed his path on the way to comedy stardom. Montee has worked with numerous comedy heavy weights such as: Kevin Hart, Joe Clair former host of BET Rap City and Comic View, Jay Pharoah from NBC Saturday Nite Live, T.K. Kirkland from HBO Def Comedy Jam, and Nephew Tommy from the Steve Harvey Morning Show. In 2008 Montee was one of the finalists in the Comic View & Def Jam comedy contest. Also in 2008 Montee performed as a headliner on the “The Funny As Hell Komedy Tour” sponsored by the B.E.T hit show Hell Date. After experiencing success on tour, Montee took his show on the road in 2009 and began to perform in numerous comedy clubs such as Richmond’s Funnybone, New York City’s Broadway Comedy Club, Washington DC’s Improv, Charlotte’s Skandalos & many more... Montee received the honor of being the featured act at the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity inc. Kappa Konklave Komedy show in 2009 in Washington D.C. Montee also produce, direct, and hosts a live comedy show called “Laugh Out Loud Sunday’s” in Norfolk, VA in 2009 and 2010. In 2011 Montee was chosen to compete in the “25th Anniversary Bay Area Black Comedy” Competition in Oakland CA also he was a semi finalist in the “So You Think You Funny” Competition held in Raleigh NC. In 2013 Montee was choosen to be in the “Florida’s Funniest Comedian” Competition in Jacksonville, FL. 2016 Montee Rogers is still growing as a standup comedian and will be in “Festival of Laughs” Competition in Charlotte, NC.
Montee Rogers
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Mike Goodwin is a refreshingly funny comedian, speaker, and leader. His signature bowtie is a nod to his expectation-defying brand of comedy that leaves a variety of audiences - from corporate events to swanky galas - laughing hysterically and completely inspired, without a foul or vulgar word spoken. native of Camden, South Carolina, Mike was raised in a family that had its share of dysfuncA tion. He learned at an early age how to use laughter to pierce through tension and in some cases, ease pain. As a result, he developed an affinity for comedy and used it as a way to cope through difficult situations he faced as a child. After graduating from high school, Mike enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for a total of 12 years - four in active duty, and the balance as an ROTC cadet and commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Reserves. While attending college at Lander University in Greenwood, SC, he became active on campus and honed his leadership skills by serving as a campus ambassador, hosting events, and joining his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi. Mike holds a master’s degree in Education from the University of South Carolina and worked in secondary and higher education before deciding to pursue stand-up comedy full time. Drawing upon his varied life experiences and career, he’s able to relate to audiences from all walks of life. His vibrant personality, wit, and professionalism make for a unique combination that keeps him booked on stages stateside and abroad, throughout the year. Whether it’s a comedy act for a church event or keynote address at a conference, Mike uses his ability to merge leadership and laughter, to help meet his goal of leaving places and people better than he found them. He’s appeared on BET, The Word Network, and Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and was chosen as a participant in the 2015 Boston Comedy Festival and finalist in the 2016 COZI TV comedy competition.
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Comedian T-Ray Sanders One of the hardest working most talented comedians in the business. T-Ray is the comedians comedian.
f f a L e M e k a d eu F y M ed om C t u o b A Comedy Game Show A host asks top 100 VIP Contestants the most outlandish questions, for the most outlandish answers. The Comedian participants teams who are in the green room then comes out and play comedy fued.
Comedian T-Ray Sanders performs a unique pep rally style of comedy. T-Ray has performed from coast to coast. One of his favorite places to perform is the Comedy House. When you here the name Thomas Ray Sanders, you probably assume he is just another average guy, but when you hear him called by his popular stage name “Comedian T-Ray” you know he is anything but average!
B E T COMI C V I E W B OU N CE T V “ Of f t h e Ch a in ” Ro b e r t Tow n s e n d s Pa r t n e r s in Cr im e T V On e Fa t a l At t r a c t io n : Fe a t u r e a s Ma t t h ew s Da d T V On e N ew s On e w it h Ro l a n d Ma r t in H GT V
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I DON’ T JUST TELL JOKES I PERFORM AND E N T E R TA I N
HIRE T-RAY FOR ANY OCCASSION
great for family reunions, social gatherings, weddings, divorce partys, after funeral comedy shows, motor-cycle clubs, corporate and fund-raisers.My tv credits are 2 seasons of B.E.T Comic View, Robert Townsends N U P E S I N C O M E DY | I S S U E 3 5
Chicago born and bred comedian has come a long way from his Eddie Murphy impersonations in his elementary school lunchroom.In April 2006 while earning a degree in Sports Management at the University of Illinois, Evans got his first chance to showcase his comedic talents at a variety show. It was that moment he says, that solidified his dream of wanting to be a comic.
Just a Kid Chicago From
T
h i s
SOMETHING I M P O R TA N T I S I N T H I S B OX R I G H TA H E R E WRIT TEN
Lo o k i n g fo r t h e n ex t h o t co m i c - - we l l h e re h e i s Za n i e s - C h i c a g o
SPECIALT Y JOKES
You have a raggety car if someone gets in side of your car and you start explaining stuff right away.
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Comedian D’Lai goes from Vegas dealer to headliner Being one of the newer faces in stand up comedy today, D’Lai appreciates every opportunity that comes his way, including being chosen for Bill Bellamy’s “Ladies Night Out” national tour. “This is a hot tour with four great guys on stage and it’s a great accomplish for four young comedians,” D’Lai said during a recent phone interview. “Not a lot of young comedians get a chance like this so, for me, it’s a real blessing.” A Louisiana native, D’Lai began he stand up career on the southern circuit. Realizing he had to head west to make the big time, he moved to Las Vegas where he became a black jack dealer by day and struggling comic by night. After winning, the “Star Search Las Vegas” competition in 2004, D’Lai was offered spots opening for some of the biggest headliners on the strip. His career has been speeding up ever since; abandoning his dealer job for stand up comedy full time. “The thing about comedy is that you are able to create on your own and you have the ability to be your own boss,” he said. “Plus, you get your results right away. They’ll let you know right there if they like you or they hate you. They’ll boo your ass right then and there if they don’t like you.”
“I have a lot of energy on stage and I have a fast paced style where I like catching things right in the moment,” he said. “That energy is who I am. It’s not an act. I’m a bevy of fun on stage but I’m just like that off stage as well. That’s what you get when you come see D’Lai.” As a member of the “Ladies Night Out” tour, which is driven mainly by material about relationships, D’Lai shares some advice with his single fans. “Right now is the best time to be single because, if you are single, you can be selfish,” he said. “In this economy, stock up on porn. Stock up on all the stuff that freaks stock up on and just ruin yourself because now is the time that you can. It’s just you and the porn and you can have fun.” As a married man with kids, he also has a few words for those who have settled down a bit. “Put the kids to bed early and then stock up on your porn,” D’Lai said. Though he has appeared at the Comedy Club at Pechanga as a member of Bellamy’s “Ladies Night Out,” when D’Lai returns this weekend for a solo appearance he has a chance to tackle a wide range of
Born Davetrick Laird, D’Lai simply took the first letter of his first name and the first three letters of his last to form his stage persona; one in which is he insists is just an extension of the real him. N U P E S I N C O M E DY | I S S U E 3 9
Keedar Whittle THE T V SHOW H E L L D AT E
About Keedar
Keedar has landed numerous national television commercials while establishing his presence in Hollywood with roles in independent and feature films
Comedian. Author. Philanthropist. Allaround good guy: Meet Keedar Whittle. His talents can be seen across TV screens, stand up comedy stages, and soon to be in a new book, nationwide. According to Keedar, “the key to a successful life is more than simply accepting that you won’t win every battle.” This mentality has recently catapulted him into the winner’s circle, making a mark in the entertainment industry.
MORE APPEARANCES
PRODUCER
Keedar created the “Funny as Hell” Comedy Tour featuring standout comedians from the comedy series. 40
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Keedar has appeared on other hit TV shows including Comedy Central’s SARAH SILVERMAN PROGRAM and BET’s ONE MIC STAND.
With a new role in AMC’s new hit show The Walking Dead , Keedar continues to showcase his multi-faceted talents on the small screen. His performance as recurring guest star “Nino Jones” on CW’s One Tree Hill, set Keedar apart as more than just a funnyman, but a serious actor. His portrayal of the conceited, yet sensitive and talented basketball star, garnered worldwide attention. But it was Keedar’s outstanding performance as a multi-talented personality on BET’s groundbreaking #1 hit comedy series Hell Date, that earned him global recognition, establishing Keedar Whittle as a household name and recognizable face. N U P E S I N C O M E DY | I S S U E 4 1
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J B lis s Justin Chambliss
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At a young age, J Bliss always had a knack for capturing an audience’s attention with some quick witted humor. His comedic craft started with his upbringing in South Jersey. J Bliss’ style deals with everyday observations and personal experiences in which he chooses to find the humor. He first hit the comedy stage in Charlotte, NC in 2005. Since then he has been traveling across the U.S. leaving them laughing. His performances have simply been described as “Hilarious” and he is a definite “Crowd Favorite” Bliss was a finalist in the 2017 Boston Comedy Festival and voted North Carolina’s funniest person in the same year. In 2018 was a semi finalist in NBC’S Stand Up nationwide search. Since his start he has opened for comedians like Sinbad, Eddie Griffin, DeR ay Davis, Corey Holcomb, Rodney Perry, George Willborn, Jay Phillips & Tony Roberts.
“Oysters are my
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Gene
GOOD. CLEAN. COMEDY.
Funny, smart, and chronically womanless… Tommy Taylor Jr. is a uniquely talented comedian, actor, filmmaker, and writer. Tommy is steadily paving his way towards success on stage, in front of the camera, and behind it.! ! Tommy has appeared in several HBO series including EMMY winning VEEP and The Wire, as well as “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”. This summer he starred on the hit ABC television show “The Proposal”, where he used his intelligence, humor, and affinity of bacon to win the heart of his “mystery woman” on what became one of the series most popular episodes.! ! On stage Tommy has opened for comedians Tony Rock, Ralphie May, Bill Bellamy, and recently been named as one of HBO’s & ABFF’s top six upcoming comedians in the country.
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Robert Powell Robert Powell III boldly attests that his small-town roots were never an obstacle to his stand-up comedy aspirations. Born in Monroe, Louisiana, the comedian appeared at this year’s Shaq All Star Comedy Jam, and is rapidly positioning himself as one of the most respected and admired comedic stars in the industry. “Because I was from Monroe [Louisiana], I had no connections in L.A., so I had to make a name for myself,” Powell says. “I wasn’t from a big city like Atlanta or Chicago. I literally had to work from scratch.” Powell has been a full-time comedian for four years, but held down hosting gigs as early as 2006. Powell’s first stand-up appearance was at The Funny Bone, a comedy club located in Shreveport, Louisiana. The performance, one Powell simply remembers as “horrible,” was triggered by a dare from a friend. Powell was an undergraduate student at the time, and went on to graduate from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He then received his Masters in Political Science from Texas Christian University. Not many comics can say they’ve dabbled in politics, but this feat is certainly one that adds a unique chapter to the comedian’s story. Powell worked as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor James E. Mayo, and next relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he became a Special Assistant under Governor Bobby Jindal. However, politics was no match for Powell’s love for comedy. He left the governor’s office to pursue his dream, and fans of the comedian should be grateful he did. For Powell, the art of stand-up comedy is what makes it his passion and certainly what led him to the exit gates of the Louisiana State Capitol. After his departure from politics, Powell met a rough patch, sleeping in his car and frequenting inexpensive motels for a few years before his comedy career began to take flight. He was named Louisiana Comedian of the Year for three years straight, and appeared on the Shaquille O’Neal All-Star Comedy Jam Tour in 2012. Powell has also opened for other notable comedians including Kevin Hart, Mike Epps, DL Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Ron White. Aries Spears, another notable comedian Powell has also worked with in the past, made headlines for his critical analysis of Kevin Hart’s use of writers for his stand-up material. Powell gave his own opinion on the topic, deeming Hart “well within his rights” to hire writers. “Aries Spears should have never came at Kevin Hart about having no writers because Aries Spears got famous off impersonating other people,” Powell argued. “Everybody had writers – Richard Pryor had ‘em, Bill Cosby ain’t write every Cosby Show, and he ain’t write every joke he ever told.”
While comics are sometimes met with criticism for hiring writers, Powell is firm in his belief that a comedian’s delivery is what sets him or her apart from the rest. “[Comedians] don’t mind helping one another take a joke to the next level. It’s sometimes good to let it be seen with a fresh eye,“ Powell stressed. 46
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Robert Powell and His Love for the Art of Stand-Up Comedy: Why the comedian isn’t in it to go Hollywood, and his take on today’s top comedians’ use of writers By Erica Riley
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