Get ready for side-splitting comedy as the 27th Annual Circle City Classic features the Comedy Jam. This year’s lineup is arguably one of the best and features the most talented and hilarious comedians in the business: Sheryl Underwood, Charlie Murphy and Don “DC” Curry.
The Comedy Jam will be Oct. 1 with two shows at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Tickets are $44.99.
Sheryl Underwood
Funny woman Sheryl Underwood burst on the scene in the late ’80s and became an instant success. She’s known for her down home personality, cheeky comedy with her purse by her side and boisterous Southern drawl.
Her edgy act has landed her opportunities such as hosting BET’s “Comic View” and starring in films such as “I Got the Hook Up,” “Bulworth,” and “Beauty Shop.”
Underwood was a regular personality on the “Tom Joyner Morning Show” and briefly hosted her own radio program entitled “Sheryl Underwood and Company” for XM satellite radio. Underwood also was the host of “Holla,” a comedy/variety series.
She has appeared on countless comedy shows and currently hosts “Martin Lawrence Presents: 1st Amendment Standup.”
Charlie Murphy
Most people know Charlie Murphy from the second season of the Emmy-nominated “Chappelle’s Show” on Comedy Central, especially for his biographical soliloquy on his adventures with the late Rick James and Prince.
The truth is, Murphy has been in the comedy business for more than 17 years working with big names such as Redd Fox, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Samuel L. Jackson and, of course, Murphy’s brother, Eddie Murphy.
He’s appeared in movies such as “Jungle Fever,” “Harlem Nights,” “Roll Bounce,” and “Our Family Wedding.”
Murphy lends his voice as Iraq War veteran/criminal Ed Wuncler III on Cartoon Network’s “The Boondocks,” Boost Mobile commercials, and Rockstar Games’ “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” and Marc Ecko’s “Getting Up” video games.
Murphy also has been featured in GQ, Essence and Rolling Stone magazines and was named as one of the “hottest people to watch” by Entertainment Weekly.
Don “DC” Curry
Don “DC” Curry can do it all. He tours huge theaters, does special engagements, can act in major studio pictures and Indie films, provides his talent to the radio and TV and most importantly is an incredibly funny comedian. Curry also produces many of his own projects.
In 1995, Curry became a favorite among fans when he won Comedian of the Year at the Bay Area Black Comedy Competition, of which he is now the host and Comedian of the Year by BET Network.
Curry hosted a season of BET’s “Comic View” and from there his career really took off. He became a series regular on ABC’s “Grace Under Fire,” and performed on “The Chris Rock Show,” “The Tracy Morgan Show” and “The Roseanne Show.” He’s even hosted Wesley Snipes’/TNT network’s martial arts special, “Blade Salutes the Masters of Martial Arts.”
Dallas residents heard his voice on the radio and he has been a spokesperson for California Energy Conservation.
His comedic career is impressive but many remember (and love) Curry as Uncle Elroy in the comedy “Next Friday” and “Friday After Next.”
You can e-mail comments to Jessica Williams-Gibson at Jessica-recorder@indy.rr.com.
High Steppin’
The Coby Bell, Hosea Chanchez and Pooch Hall of the BET show “The Game” will serve as grand marshals for the Circle City Classic Parade, Oct. 2 beginning at 10 a.m. in downtown Indianapolis.
Other Oct. 2 events:
n The Grown Folks Dougie Contest at the Coors Light Cold Zone outside of Lucas Oil Stadium. The contest is from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and will feature rapper Dougie Fresh.
n Indianapolis native Moya Angela of “Dreamgirls” sings the national anthem before the Circle City Classic game.
n The male cast members of The Game will be meeting and greeting fans during the football contest.
n Be sure to stay for the famed Drumline Competition after the Circle City Classic Game.
About DJ Geeenooo!
Geno Shelton was born in Chicago and after graduating from Western Michigan University took a job at WTLC-FM (105.7) in 1985.
“I came with a new perspective. People were saying this was nap town, that it was slow motion. My demeanor on the radio was all about energy, about excitement,” said Shelton, whose nickname was “Geno Get Live” at that time. “I was going to turn nap town into rap town.”
He eventually transitioned into a full-fledged concert promoter in 1992 and hasn’t stopped since. Shelton loves Indy and makes it his mission to bring the city great entertainment.
Geno is excited about this year’s Circle City Classic and for the first time is the official promoter for the event.
“I went to college and it’s nice to see the Black college experience – I love the camaraderie,” said Shelton.
