Steve Martin and Martin Short’s new tour “You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!” redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, by two of the funniest, most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century.
Their humor is often subversive, but it is always a joyous self-deprecating romp from two comedy masters driven to make each other laugh as much as the audience. The jokes come at you at a rapid-fire pace with little set-up and big punch lines as they mock Hollywood and the fickle nature of celebrity, but the comedy truly soars when they lovingly (and relentlessly) roast each other.
Martin and Short’s chemistry and timing on stage reflect a friendship forged over three decades, which developed when they met for the first time on the set of the 1986 film “Three Amigos.” These two titans of comedy have been touring together since 2015 when they launched their first live show entitled “A Very Stupid Conversation.”
Rickey Smiley is known for having made millions laugh for over 30 years and earned a reputation for delivering to audiences both on and off stage.
With the distinct ability to take everyday observations and turn them into comedic gold, Rickey is one of the few “clean” comics amongst the upper echelon of contemporary comedians.
At any given performance, audiences are treated to such original characters as “Mrs. Bernice Jenkins,” “Lil’Daryl,” “Joe Willie” and “Beauford.”
Rickey is a comedy legend and entertainment mogul. He brings uproarious laughter to the world through his magnetic and sharp style of humor. The powerhouse performer brings his impeccable timing to a number of successful media platforms and has the distinct ability to take everyday observations and turn them into comedic gold. As a beloved comedian, television host, actor and top rated nationally syndicated radio personality; Smiley has become one of the entertainment industry’s most celebrated performers. Through his brilliantly crafted career of bringing humor to the masses, Smiley has established himself as a potent pillar of talent with the capacity to reach a multitude of audiences. Smiley is one of the few “clean” comics amongst the top tier of contemporary great comedians and has amassed a deeply loyal fan base of enthusiasts who gravitate to his quick-witted delivery and captivating energy.
Coming from his humble roots of Birmingham Alabama, Rickey rose to superstardom after igniting his 26-year career serving as opening act for Industry titans such as Steve Harvey, George Wallace, and Carl Strong. Throughout his career trajectory, Rickey has been one of the industry’s most towering forces in building an impressive empire that has landed him preeminent roles on radio, television, film and on-stage performances.
On the fast track to stardom, in 2000 Rickey started his climatic rise to stardom as the headlining host of BET’s “ComicView” and became further distinguished as the only comedian who has had the honor of hosting two consecutive successful seasons catapulting the show to it’s highest ratings in history. After achieving this milestone, BET then quickly signed Rickey to host “The Way We Do It” during the 2001-2002 season, which later became one of the networks top five shows. Smiley also delivered unforgettable appearances on “Showtime At The Apollo,” “Uptown Comedy Club”, HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” and “Snaps.”
Rickey Smiley continued to take the world by storm with his unique blend of comedy and originality as he sought to further master his craft and conquer the world of radio. In 2007 Smiley became the host of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, one of the funniest and most compelling radio programs in the country. Based in Atlanta, in over 61 markets, and growing, the Rickey Smiley Morning Show is a blend of laughter, social issues and celebrity news. Daily millions of fans faithfully tune in and listen to the hysterical show best known for its rib-tickling prank phone calls, as Rickey delivers witty commentary and unpredictable humor. Using radio as an uplifting message vehicle, Rickey’s insightful yet humorous interviews with A-list celebrities raise social and political awareness. Smiley’s down-home southern charm and philosophy to use insight rather than vulgarity to evoke laughter, is one of the many reasons he forged partnership with Radio One the most respected urban broadcasting conglomerates in the world. The Rickey Smiley Morning Show is featured within a wildly popular daily entertainment news television show on Dish Nation. The show is paired with other nationally syndicated radio personalities and airs weeknights on FOX affiliates.
Rickey continued to perform sold out shows where his diverse audiences were drawn to original characters such as “Bernice Jenkins,” “Lil’ Daryl,” “Joe Willie” and “Beauford.” After mastering his signature characters, Rickey headlined The Laugh and Shout Experience tour featuring Rickey as “Minister Joe Willie”. Joined by the Deuteronomaires featuring Gospel artists Earnest Pugh, Zacardi Cortez, and Darlene McCoy is set to resume Fall 2015.
As the wildly popular comedian continued to span his audience and entertain people of all-ages, Rickey then joined forces with Radio One owned television network, TV One as the star, executive producer and namesake of his own top rated sitcom, “The Rickey Smiley Show”. The amusing series features the balancing act of a working comedian with the joys and pains of being a single father of three; a character that parallels his own life. It also profiles Rickey as he masters the riggers of radio with a whimsical spin on office politics, social issues, celebrity appearances, and music – all threaded around rich humor.
Asked about being one of the busiest and most successful comics in the world, Smiley shares, “I love what I do and enjoy getting up every day with the expressed purpose of bringing joy into the lives of others through laughter. The greatest satisfaction I can receive is knowing that my talents are a form of escapism that brings happiness into so many deserving lives. To be blessed with sold out tours, a successful radio show and 2 Television platforms is more than I could ever have dreamed and I am committed to working harder than ever to continue to be a positive influence and all around best entertainer I can be.” Rickey Smiley
Growing up in the church filled with colorful characters and content Smiley drew inspiration and developed his signature characters that have visibly become apart of his comedic trademark. From Bernice and her bizarre church announcements to Coach McClainy and his lack of motivational skills, Rickey’s audiences have developed a fierce loyalty and desire to his impersonations. Smiley’s growing character base have found their way to 8 best selling CDs including iTunes #1 Best Selling Comedy Album, “Rickey Smiley- Prank Calls Number 6.” His additional credits include hosting BET’s comedy concert DVD “Open Casket Sharp”.
Having enjoyed meteoric success on-stage, radio, and in film Rickey has catapulted his wondrous talents onto the big-screen. Continuing to grow his fan base Rickey’s arresting natural talent is best demonstrated in his major feature film roles in urban classics including “All About The Benjamin’s” and “Friday After Next,” along with his most recent starring turn in the hit romantic comedy “Baggage Claim.”
Rickey served as host of the prestigious Trumpet Awards in 2012, the 29th and 30th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, and the 2014 NAACP Image Awards Dinner & Pre-Party, as well as presented at the NAACP Image Awards Ceremony.
Life off-stage, Rickey is dedicated to empowering and enriching the communities in which he serves daily. This performer has a heart of gold reflected in his burning commitment and ongoing desire to champion under-served youth and honor seniors through the support of The Rickey Smiley Foundation and the utilizing of his powerful platforms to be a change agent for the greater good of his community. Rickey Smiley also is an esteemed and honored member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated and cherishes parenting as a devoted father.
SHANG, a transplanted New Yorker whose carefully nurtured evolution from stand-up comedy to socio-political satire gives heavy flight to the spoken and outspoken word.
The FAMECAST Comedy Winner, SHANG has been seen on CBS’S “The Late Late Show”, Two BET’S “Comic View” Specials STARZ “1ST Amendment” & “Stand Up”, Byron Allen’s syndicated “Comics Unleashed,” NBC’S “Heroes”, CBS’S “CSI” “ & “NCIS”, QUE’ LOCO, COMEDY CENTRAL and GOTHAM LIVE.
Recently Shang Forbes appeared on FUEL TV’s new show “Kamkazee Comedy.” Shang continues to rise to the top of the comedy ranks with high-profile acting & televised stand up & personal appearances.
Also his 1 HR SPECIAL on AMAZON, APPLE TV, ITUNES & TUBI “SHANG is SHANGRY Live in NYC Reached 1 Million Views
“This guy kills, leaving the audience rolling!”-DVD VERDICT “Provocative, Edgy, Political and Extremely Funny”
A 2018 Just For Laughs Montreal New Face, Daphnique Springs is a stand up, actor, and writer. She stars on Amazon’s INSIDE JOKES. She recently had her TV Stand Up debut on HBO’s ALL DEF COMEDY, her late night debut on LAST CALL WITH CARSON DAILY and appeared on PUNCHLINE and LAUGHS both on FOX.
Springs has been featured on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE (ABC) and THE COMEDY GET BROWN (BET). She’s toured with Katt Williams on his Born Again…Again Tour, featured for Martin Lawrence, and performed at the All Jane Comedy Festival. She won the She-Devil Festival in New York City, NY and the American Black Film Festival “Comedy Wings Competition” sponsored by HBO..
She has 484K+ Instagram Followers, 2.8 Million+ Facebook Followers, 406K+ Youtube Subscribers, 1.3 Million Tok Tok Followers.
The original pioneer of crunk comedy, SHAWTY (what my name iz?) is like no other comedian you will ever witness. He is one of a kind and an unforgettable performer. Shawty has not only mastered the art of stand-up comedy, he has excelled in both film and television acting.
Look for Shawty on one of your favorite TV comedy shows like “SHOWTIME at the APOLLO” or BET’s “COMIC VIEW”. His improv skills are well remembered from Nick Cannon’s Wild n Out show.
He has also been a headliner on the Super comedy Jam tour, which is the longest running comedy tour through out the southeast region.
Shawty is not a stranger to the music industry. His cameo appearance on Ludacris’s album, Word of Mouf, has earned him platinum success.
He has been showcased in numerous rap music videos with the CLIPSE “NEVER HEARD IT LIKE THIS”, produced by the Neptunes, which showcases the immense talent of this animated comedian, Atlanta Rapper BONECRUSHER’s #1 Billboard chart topping single “NEVA SCARED”, LIL’ JON & THE EASTSIDE BOYZ “GET LOW” & “I DON’T GIVE A…”, and FIELD MOB’S “ALL I KNOW”.
When not performing, Shawty is a regular on his twitter feed, posting daily about his life and various upcoming events. He currently has a following of over 119,000 fans across his various social media platforms. He is also a regular voice on the hot new hip hop broadcast Streetz 94.5, a brilliant up and coming new radio station based in Atlanta- Shawty chats about crazy news stories, and interacts with listeners on the daily.
SHAWTY – best known as the first comedian with rapper status!!!
Comedy heavy hitters, 85 South, are bringing their live podcast to Durham, Charlotte and Macon. With over two million subscribers on YouTube, over half a billion independent views, and 250,000+ live show tickets sold, the 85 South Show has completely changed the comedy industry.
Comedians DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Chico Bean talk culture and comedy on this weekly podcast.
Chico Bean – @chicobean One half of the ‘old school fools’ – Chico Bean brings the old school soul to a new school platform. Credits: MTV’s Wild’N Out, MTV’s Beach House, Steve Harvey
Karlous Miller – @karlousm The captain of the ship. There’s no crowd, interview, joke, guest or freestyle that Karlous can’t control. He’s the point guard that keeps the show moving in the right direction. Credits: MTV’s Wild’N Out, Kevin Hart’s LOL Network Comedy Special, NBC’s Last Comic Standing
D.C. Young Fly – @dcyoungfly Known for his outspoken comedy, blunt feedback, wild stories & off the cuff singing, DC Young Fly is the spark that sets the show on fire. Credits: MTV’s TRL & Wild’N Out, Will Packer’s ‘Almost Christmas’, VH1’s Hip Hop Squares
Stand-up Comedy in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.
