Tour line-up featuring performances by Sommore, Arnez J, Tommy Davidson, John Witherspoon. This will be Center Stage Comedy’s first official comedy tour (2017).
We are thrilled to announce our partnership with The Center Stage Comedy Tour (2017) and reveal their exclusive debut – scheduled to hit cities across the US including Jacksonville, Kansas City, Raleigh, Dallas, Cleveland, Richmond, St. Louis, DC, New Haven, Charlotte, Baltimore, and Chicago. The circuit will launch on Febuary 3rd in Jacksonville at the Times Union Center and close out on May 14th in Chicago at the Arie Crown Theatre. This will be the first comedic tour for Center Stage Comedy, featuring only the best stand-up artists.
Center Stage Comedy Tour (2017) will be headlined by the infamous Sommore with star-studded performances by Arnez J, Tommy Davidson and John Witherspoon. Felipe Esparza, Don “DC” Curry, Joe Clair, George Wilborn, Tony Rock and Damon Williams will also be performing in select cities.
Sommore (Lori Ann Rambough) ranks as one of the nations’ most highly-acclaimed, top comedic female entertainers. Throughout her career, her powerful combination of class and sass have captivated audiences with fierce ferocity. Coining the phrase, “Chandelier Status”, Sommore prides herself on authenticity, shining from within, and being unapologetically herself in every moment. Her routines tackle controversial topics with a savvy synchronistic style. As one of the top-grossing stand up comediennes in the world, her countless sold-out audiences are a testament to her creatively vivacious stand-up act. Proclaimed as “a force to be reckoned with in the new millennium” by Oprah herself, Sommore has established herself as a writer, producer, actor and entrepreneur – finding success in every facet of the entertainment industry. Sommore has been featured on Oprah, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The View, Comedy Central’s ‘Special Women in Comedy’, HBO’s ‘Snaps’ and MTV’s ‘Wild ‘N Out’.
Arnez J (Arnez Johnson)’s distinctive improvisational comedic style has made him one of the unforgettable greats. His authentic stage presence and contagious energy make for incomparable personality impressions that get crowds rolling with laughter. Arnez J’s ability to involve physicality into his performances distinguish him entirely from the traditional comedic mold. His athleticism on stage can be attributed to his recruitment as a ’96 Harlem Globe Trotter. Arnez J has also been featured on Black Entertainment Television’s ‘Comic View’, a finalist in the Bay Area Black Comedy Competition, on Comedy Central’s ‘Make Me Laugh’, BET’s Comic View, A&E’s Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam and Up Against The 8-Ball (2004).
Tommy Davidson (Thomas Davidson) – Film, TV, and stand-up comedic star, Tommy Davidson, has established himself in all facets of the entertainment business. Most known as a member of the sketch comedy TV show, In Living Color, Davidson has opened concerts for Patti LaBelle, Starpoint and Kenny G. He has also performed at the Apollo Theatre, Comedy Store and on Comedy Central, MADtv, Cartoon Network, Disney’s animated series, ‘The Proud Family’, Adult Swim, Celebrity Wife Swap, and Celebrity Family Feud. Davidson also starred in noteworthy films such as Ace Venture: When Nature Calls, Strictly Business, Booty Call and Juwanna Mann.
John Witherspoon (John Weatherspoon) – Stand-up comedian, writer, and actor, John Witherspoon has had roles in several films and TV shows over the course of his impressive career. Best known for his role in the Friday series, Witherspoon starred in movies such as Hollywood Shuffle, Amen, Boomerang and has also made appearances on NBC’s ‘The Richard Pryor Show’, ‘Last Comic Standing’, WKRP, The Wayans Bros, 18 Episodes of The Tracy Morgan Show, CBS’s ‘Barnaby Jones’, The Boondocks, The Five Heartbeats, L.A. Law, Hill Street Blues, You Again?, What’s Happening Now!!, Fox’s ‘Living Single’. Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Murder Was The Case, Cosmic Shop, The Super Rumble Mixshow and Black Jesus. He has also written and starred in the film, From the Old School. Witherspoon has also made multiple music video appearances, including Jay-Z’s ‘I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)’, Field Mob’s ‘Sick of Being Lonely’, Goodie Mobs ‘They Don’t Dance No Mo’ and LL Cool J’s ‘Ain’t Nobody’.
Tony Rock – Comedian, Actor, Executive Producer, Writer, and CEO are just a few successful titles that this talented individual has in his creative arsenal. Rock’s 15-year career has rewarded him a reputation of being one of the most-talented, well-respected entertainers in the business. He has appeared in comedic films such as All of Us (2003-2007), Hitch, Three Can Play That Game, Life Support, C’Mon Man, The Redemption of a Dog, and Think Like A Man; while appearing on shows such as BET’s ‘Real Husbands of Hollywood’, Let’s Stay Together; hosting Russell Simmons’ ‘All Def Comedy Live’ and Apollo Live. Rock has also produced and hosted projects such as The Funny Spot (2008) and The Tony Rock Project (2008); co-headlined two national comedy tours: The Standing Ovation and Rock The Mic; and performed at Gotham Comedy Club, The Comic Strip, Comedy Cellar, Improv, and Laugh Factory.
Felipe Esparza – Most recognized for his wild hair and signature phrase, “What’s Up, Fool?”, Esparza’s raw, personable stand-up routine makes him a lethal comedian-actor combo that audiences everywhere can relate to. He was featured as the winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing (2010), had his own Showtime special, and launched a new popular podcast, “What’s Up Fool?” on All Things Comedy podcast network. Felipe has also appeared on The Tonight Show, Lopez Tonight, Arsenio Hall, The Eric Andre Show, Comedy Central’s ‘Premium Blend’, ‘Comics Unleashed’, Showtime’s ‘Comics Without Borders’ and BET’s ‘Comic View’.
This stellar combination of comedians is certain to deliver a contagion of infectious laughter across the country. To follow the Center Stage Comedy Tour and get inside access to your favorite artists and exclusive behind-the-scenes media, follow Center Stage Comedy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Get your tickets now for the Center Stage Comedy Tour (2017) taking place between February-May (2017) in exclusive cities.
Visit ticketmaster.com to purchase.
