Filed under: News, Celeb Updates
As previously reported, some of the biggest names in comedy headed to Atlantic City over the Labor Day holiday for what organizers are hoping will be an annual event: the Atlantic City Comedy Festival.
Though the large-arena venue, Historic Boardwalk Hall, was not filled to capacity, many of the show's headliners believe the economy has proven to be a gift to the world of comedy.
Mike Epps is busy prepping to return as host of the 'BET Hip-Hop Awards' and for the release of his next movie, 'Faster,' with Billie Bob Thornton and The Rock, but he's happy that he can provide entertainment despite many of his fans going through tough economic conditions
"Black people, we always live from pillar to post, the majority of us, so when it comes to the economy, we're survivors, [and] I think comedy really helps because in trying times like this, people want to laugh and keep their minds off their bills and stuff like that," the 'Lottery Ticket' star told BV Newswire.
"It was really good, because I think that Atlantic City, the city itself, could really use that type of entertainment. I think it's a big thing for the city, and to have that type of talent on a couple of shows is good."
He's still holding out hope that he will get a chance to portray Richard Pryor in the long-delayed biopic on the comedy legend.
The Indianapolis native added, "I'm just trying to make sure that I just stay relevant in the business. Right now, I'm just trying to put myself in an A-list actor position, and once I get that, maybe I will do a little directing and producing."
George Wilborn, who recently appeared on the short-lived 'Michael Baisden Show,' told BV Newswire, "The worst times get, the more you need comedy to break the monotony of what you know are serious topics in your household."
He added that he'd love to return next year.
"The venue was great, the people were incredible and I got to be a chance to be with friends of mine. ...I hope it's successful. I wouldn't have a problem being a part of it year after year," he shared.
Don "DC" Curry says arena tours like the Atlantic City Comedy Festival remain more popular than stand-up comedy shows in large part because of a certain group of funnymen.
"I think the 'Kings of Comedy' changed the game, and they made the general public expect to see megashows. Before the 'Kings Of Comedy,' people would ask me, 'Where you gonna be tonight?' and after the 'Kings of Comedy,' people said, 'Where you gonna be?' and I'd tell them, and then they'd say, 'Who ya with?'"
The festival's sole original 'King of Comedy' star, D.L. Hughley, who hosted Saturday night, says that he's seen "more people come to forget about what is going on."
He shared, "As a performer, people don't go as far. People have stay-cations, and as a comic, you want to make sure you are worth the money."
Like Mike Epps, he's staying busy even off the stand-up circuit.
Hughley said he's hoping to return to radio in the near future, after salary disputes ended his time at 98.7 Kiss FM in New York City. He has a recurring role on the upcoming CBS series 'Hawaii Five-O', which he just shot. But, the Los Angeles-based comedian is most excited for his own show to get under way.
"We have a TV sitcom that we're gonna get back into," he said. "We have three offers that we are entertaining, so we will see where we go."
He laughed, "I would never write anything for nobody else I'm too selfish."
Sommore, who headlined Saturday night's show and is gearing up to shoot another stand-up special in January, feels conflicted to be the only woman on the lineup.
"I feel proud because it shows an accomplishment of mine," she confided. "It's the first time a woman has headlined a major comedy tour over other males, but another aspect is we should have more women here, but it's a male-dominated business."
Here's hoping she gets her wish and that the festival returns next year.