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Comedy Stand-Up

Tacarra Williams

There is a new beast killing the comedy game that makes people cry laughing, and she is absolutely beautiful!Tacarra Williams is the consummate hyphenate–school teacher, plus sized model, motivational speaker, and fearless writer. Known throughout  the comedy industry as at “The Beautiful Beast,” from the moment she picks up the microphone, until the time she walks off stage, audiences can feel the laughter erupt–using her hard-won wisdom learned from the streets of NYC, her experience as a young mother, and her most recent endeavor as a Life Skills coach to inmates in the largest jail system in American, Tacarra dares to be the voice for every woman…never afraid to say what is on everyone’s mind, refusing to bow down to the prejudiced opinions of men Tacarra’s attitude towards female empowerment has earned her respect and love from women throughout the country.

Opening for the likes of Tony Rock, Deray Davis, and Bill Bellamy, her talent and wit cannot be denied. Having recently been featured on NBC’s Bring the Funny, Tacarra Williams has been described as “fearless” and “unapologetically honest.” As she pursues her dream of being a full-time comic, she has hit every major stage in New York and Hollywood, CA., including Carolines, Broadway Comedy Club, Apollo Theatre, Hollywood Improv, The Comedy Store, Russell Simmons’ All Def Digital, and The Laugh Factory.  Her 30 min Comedy special, produced by Kevin Hart, has been featured on Comedy Central. If you think that’s notoriety, Tacarra is the only female in the history of the Shaq Comedy All Star Competition to make it to the finals, and she is the very first Female host for Chocolate Sundaes at the Laugh Factory. Catch her meteoric rise on NBC.

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Comedy Stand-Up

Tip Harris

Aside from his contributions in entertainment including, 11 hit albums, multiple Grammy’s, Billboard BET and American Music Awards, countless blockbuster movies and top-rated television shows including, ATL, VH-1’s T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle, American Gangster and Marvel’s Antman, to name a few, Tip “T.I.” Harris has made an indelible mark on the world of business. He is an artist, entrepreneur and activist who has amassed a business empire to include a record label (Grand Hustle), A film/TV production company (Grand Hustle Films), a 10+ year old clothing line (Akoo, Hustle Gang), a real estate holdings company, non-profit organization (Us or Else), owner/founder of Trap Music Museum, co-owner of Bankhead Seafood, owner of Super Sound Studios, investor and much more.

Harris served on the Mayor of Atlanta’s Transition Team, where he focused on policy and legislation; and currently serves on the Reimagining Atlanta Task Force, aimed at creating restorative practices and a community-driven approach to addressing incarceration. He has been recognized as a thought leader at the United States Capitol and during the Operation Hope and Forbes Magazine business conferences. His community focus is around driving economic mobility and equity in vulnerable, underserved communities. Harris was also awarded the first-ever “Voice of the Culture” award by ASCAP and is the host of a new #1 rated podcast, expediTIously with Tip “T.I.” Harris. Never one to rest on his laurels, he is in the process of launching new business partnerships and growing his brands.

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Comedy Stand-Up

Lisa Ann Walter

Now starring as Melissa Schemmenti in ABC’s #1 show, the Emmy-nominated “Abbott Elementary”, Actress, Creator/Producer/Writer Lisa Ann Walter’s career spans television, film and the stage. She is known for stand-out roles in feature films such as “The Parent Trap”, “Bruce Almighty”, “Shall We Dance”, “War of the Worlds” and “Killers”.

Walter is also the co-creator and star of several network sitcoms and unscripted series. Lisa Ann is the proud Creator, Executive Producer and Judge on the highest rated first year NBC/UNI cable series, DANCE YOUR ASS OFF, with over a dozen foreign formats She co-created, produced and directed the original series GONZO GIRLS. and has both scripted and unscripted series currently in development. She has enjoyed guesting on numerous hit shows; THE ODD COUPLE, THE EXES, NIP/TUCK, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, GREY’S ANATOMY, 9-1-1, GLOW

Lisa Ann spent 10 years headlining clubs all over the country. Her first televised comedy set was as a featured professional standup act on “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” where she turned a skeptical crowd into a cheering one and led to scores of Television spots and she was recently featured on “Gotham Comedy Live”. Walter has hosted dozens of A-List events including “Talk of the Town”, “The Icon Awards” honoring Sidney Poitier, “The Hollywood Bag Ladies luncheon for Lupus” & more. Her comedic memoire/essays on self-loathing, THE BEST THING ABOUT MY ASS IS THAT IT’S BEHIND ME, was a life-changing book published by Harper One and was #13 on the NY Times & Amazon Bestseller Lists.

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But Walter is most proud of being a working mom of 4 with “One foot on the Red Carpet…The other at Costco” and that her stomach is still reasonably flat after being the clown car they all came out of.

Categories
Comedy Stand-Up

Dominique

What is there to know about Dominique? Well, if you’re interested in high-powered comedy, everything. From headlining comedy clubs, to showing-out on television, Dominique is the new face of funny in America. She has created laughs on stages across the world, including NBC’s Last Comic Standing, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, Comedy Central’s “Chappelle’s Show,” O.W.N.’s “Herlarious” the now airing hit television series Adult Swim’s “Black Jesus,” Cartoon Network’s “Tropical Coptales and the upcoming television series B.E.T.’s “Games People Play”.

As a Washington D.C. native, Dominique honed her skills unprofessionally as a postal worker at the infamous Brentwood Postal facility. As a mail sorter and resident comic, Dominique kept the
night-shift alert, and amused while perfecting jokes. At the urging of coworkers and relatives, Dominique sought stand-up work at local comedy clubs, which came easily after a few performances. Dominique attracted diverse audiences with a mixture of political and cultural
comedy that made audiences think, and laugh.

She quickly gained notoriety for telling it like it is, raw and uncut. In a pre-internet world, Dominique’s fan-base grew quickly and word of her talent drew attention from HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam.” After a strong performance on Def Jam, Dominique pursued her comedic dreams full-time, moving to New York City to perform amongst the best of the best. Before long, Dominique became a fixture of New York’s comedy scene, performing alongside comics like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle. During a chance encounter at a small comedy club, Dominique impressed “30 Rock” and “SNL” star Tracy Morgan, who immediately made Dominique the opening act for his “Caroline’s on Broadway” show. Since then, Dominique has wowed audiences from London to LA, and all points between.

In addition to stand-up and television, Dominique has drawn laughs from radio audiences across America during a regular segment on the “Tom Joyner Morning Show.” From this platform Dominique became known as the ‘people’s champ,’ a comedian who speaks for the common man and woman of America.

Run, don’t walk to Dominique’s next show, she’s the new face of funny!

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Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

Kym Whitley

Kym Whitley is a multi-talented entertainer, rich with humor and heart. Kym is a Daytime Emmy-Nominated actress for her menacing role as Big Candi on “The Bay.” In addition, Kym is a two-time NAACP Image Award-winner for her “Two Funny Mamas” podcast.  As an actress, author, comedian, and multi-award-winning podcaster, namely the 2023 Signal Award winner for her Audible podcast “Kym,” Whitley has proven her versatility and ability to captivate audiences across multiple mediums.

Whitley’s latest roles in Bounce TV’s (recently acquired by Netflix), most-watched half-hour series “Act Your Age,” and the palpable magic created with writer-producer Lena Waithe on the Audible series aptly titled “Kym” is loosely based on Whitley’s life, which offers audiences an authentic perspective through storytelling, while uplifting the beauty of family. You can find Kym Whitley on your TV, radio, and her unfiltered podcast alongside Sherri Shepherd, wherein the comedic powerhouse hosts of “Two Funny Mamas,” shares hilarious accounts of motherhood, work life, and friendship. Whitley’s unforgettable performances in comedies like “Next Friday,” “Young & Hungry,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” further solidifies her status as a talented veteran performer. Kym also executive produced her docuseries titled “Raising Whitley” on OWN.

In addition to her acting prowess, Whitley is also an accomplished author. She penned the book “The Delusion of Cinderella,” which is not for the faint of heart.

Kym is an HBCU Fisk graduate, in addition, she holds an Honorary degree from Virginia University of Lynchburg. Kym Whitley is a board member for the Special Needs Network, in Los Angeles, CA.

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Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

JC Currais

This hilarious Cuban-American Comedian was selected as a NY Comedy Festival “Comic To Watch,” won the prestigious Westside Comedy Competition, headlined Johnny Carson’s Great American Comedy Festival, appeared on NBC’s Last Call w/ Carson Daly, and performed a late night set on TBS’ Conan. He is also currently being prominently featured in a Just For Laughs documentary series for Amazon Studios which follows selected Comedians as they progress from the first New Faces audition all the way to gracing the stages in Montreal at the most prestigious comedy festival in the world. In addition to being featured on FOX Lethal Weapon & Disney+ Just Roll With It, JC Currais will be acting alongside Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Damien Chazelle in the upcoming Babylon feature! JC is a powerful comedic force to be reckoned with as a Writer, Stand-Up, and Actor.

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College Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

Radio Big Mack

Radio Big Mack is a radio personality, comedian, writer, and host. Mack has been in the radio business for 10 years starting in 2012 but spent most of his career in Miami. Mack has recently been hired as the head writer for the nationally syndicated radio show, The Breakfast Club. He also is one of the current cast members on Nick Cannon’s Wild N Out. Mack joined Wild N Out in 2018 (Season 12) and now has been in 9 seasons and over 120 episodes. Big Mack is also a stand-up comedian, and within the first 5 years, opening for some of the biggest names like Rickey Smiley, Deray Davis, DC Young Fly etc. You can hear him on your radio, see him on your television, hosting your favorite shows or you can follow him on social media @radiobigmack

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College Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

Tommy Davidson

Tommy Davidson’s exceptional range – from stand-up comedy and acting to versatile music accomplishments – have earned him a reputation as an extraordinary performer who delivers no matter the arena. Best known as one of the stars of the hit television show In Living Color, Davidson’s visibility has allowed him to become a household name known for his innovative talent.

Davidson started his career as a standup comedian in Washington DC, earning an ardent following. Spotted by major concert promoters, he was first booked as the opening act for Patti LaBelle, Kenny G and Luther Vandross. It wasn’t long before he came to Hollywood and was headlining the biggest rooms and met Robert Townsend. This led to his first national tv appearance and starring role in Partners in Crime, the conduit to Keenan Ivory Wayans, who proved instrumental in Davidson’s career by offering him an opportunity to audition.

Davidson starred in Disney Channel’s beloved animated series The Proud Family (2001-05) and recently returned to topline their new hit, “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” (Disney +) to rave reviews. Other 2022 guest starring credits include CBS comedy series The Neighborhood; standout roles on VH1’s hit A Black Lady Sketch Show; the Nick Cannon-directed TV movie Miracles Across 125th Street, BET+’s The Ms. Pat Show and the Netflix special Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine.

The multihyphenate is perhaps best known for starring in the groundbreaking sketch comedy series In Living Color and becoming a standout with his impressions of Sammy Davis Jr., Michael Jackson and other entertainment icons. His performance on the series resulted in three Showtime specials: On Strength of New York, Illin’ in Philly, and Takin’ it to DC. Davidson also hosted and starred in the network’s Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show, as well as three seasons of ABC’s Vacation Creation.

Davidson voiced the series regular role of Cream Corn in the Adult Swim action-comedy spoof Black Dynamite, and has also made multiple guest appearances on shows like MTV’s Wild ‘N Out, BET’s Real Husbands of Hollywood and ABC’s Celebrity Wife Swap. He also recently headlined The Off Color Comedy Tour with Keenan Ivory Wayans, Shawn Wayans and David Alan Grier, and co-headlines with Katt Williams, Mike Epps and Martin Lawrence to sell out large venue audiences.

Davidson’s feature credits include Spike Lee’s Bamboozled, Morgan Creek’s Juwanna Mann, Ace Ventura II: When Nature Calls opposite Jim Carrey, and Strictly Business opposite Halle Berry among others. He also recently starred in the feature documentaries I Am Comic opposite Tim Allen and Lewis Black, and Dying Laughing alongside Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer and Sarah Silverman.

His most recent critically lauded music duets include Sweet Reunion with multi-Grammy winner Dave Koz and I Know with A-list saxophonist, Richard Elliot.

Kensington Books published Davidson’s memoir Living in Color: What’s Funny about Me, recounting his personal triumphs after having been abandoned as in infant in 2020 achieving historic sales.

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Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

Jinkx Monsoon

Jinkx Monsoon (she/her) is a two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race winner, award-winning actor, and recording artist. She made her highly-anticipated Broadway debut in 2023 as Matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago, breaking box office records during an extended 10-week run (and returned again for Pride June 27 – July 12). This Spring, she played Audrey in the off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors opposite Corbin Bleu for 8 weeks and made her Doctor Who debut as new fan-favorite villain Maestro.She’s toured the world performing original cabaret shows with music partner Major Scales, including the hit Off-Broadway sensation The Vaudevillians. Her accolades include the Gregory Award for her portrayal of Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The MAC Award for original show The Ginger Snapped, and most recently the “Best Live Theatre” award for The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show at the 2024 Queerties. In 2025, she’ll make her Carnegie Hall debut with “Jinkx Monsoon: Live at Carnegie Hall.”

Jinkx first garnered an international fan base following her win on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5 (2013), and continued her winning streak on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7 (2022) where she was crowned “Queen of All Queens,” winning the competition against all previous winners.

Jinkx has voiced characters for such animated shows as Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake (playing the beloved character Lemongrab), Steven Universe, Helluva Boss, Mighty Magiswords, Bravest Warriors.

As a recording artist, Jinkx has released three critically-hailed albums of original music written by Major Scales including her most recent The Virgo Odyssey (2022), The Inevitable Album and The Ginger Snapped.

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College Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

BenDeLaCreme

Drag icon, BenDeLaCreme, is a global performer, director, writer, and producing powerhouse who rose to international acclaim following superstar runs on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6 (2014) and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 3 (2018) during which she broke multiple series records and earned a spot among the show’s “15 Fan Favorites of All Time.”

Harnessing that energy, BenDeLaCreme took her career where no queen has gone before, founding her own production company, BenDeLaCreme Presents, under which she went on to write, produce and direct multiple sold-out international tours of “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show” as well as her critically acclaimed, award winning solo works “Terminally Delightful”, “Cosmos”, “Inferno A Go-Go”, and “Ready To Be Committed,” countless plays and variety shows, and the cult classic holiday film, The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Special. She has worked as a producer in film and television, and written and directed for some of your favorite drag artists. She is known for her quick wit and sharp mind, as well as her work as a puppeteer, live singer, choreographer, production and costume designer, and ravishing beauty.

Harnessing the fun and beauty of drag entertainment DeLa strives to make politics, philosophy, science and literature all more accessible through entertainment. Forbes says that “Keeping you entertained while making you think about your place in the world is all a part of the BenDeLaCreme experience” while Billboard says DeLa “soars past entertainment and into the realm of theatrical art”. TheaterMania calls her work “Spectacular… helping to redefine what cabaret can be: an intoxicating cocktail of high, low, topical, and timeless” and The New York Times has hailed her as “self-possessed and chameleonic.”

In 2023, BenDeLaCreme continued to utilize her massive platform to fight back against anti-LGBTQ+ hatred and legislation sweeping the U.S. With appearances at The Daily Show, MSNBC, NPR, and a heartfelt essay penned for Out Magazine, DeLa educated audiences on how politics and dangerous rhetoric negatively impact the queer and trans community on a global scale, as well as offered a message of hope to keep fighting. She continues to use her voice and platform as an activist both in and outside of her work.