Fans may know him best as ‘Ashy Larry’ from Comedy Central’s “Chappelle’s Show” but Donnell Rawlings continues to rock the stage.
He will appear this weekend at the UP Comedy Club in the Old Town neighborhood and he also stars in the MTV2’s series “Guy Code,” where he explains the proper way for a man to eat a banana in public.
Continue reading “‘Ashy Larry’ explains the ‘Guy Code’”
Eight years ago, Carlos Mencia leaped into homes across the country with his comedy television series, “Mind of Mencia.” Now, five years after the show’s end, Mencia continues to reach fans through his comedy performances and broadcasting his podcast, “Laughin’ and Livin’.”
Mencia performs a second night Saturday at the UP Comedy Club.
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As lead singer of funk group the Gap Band, Charlie Wilson enjoyed a string of hits in the 1970s and 1980s before losing his musical momentum to drugs and alcohol. After a stint in rehab, Wilson got his career back on track as a trusted adviser for some prominent rappers.
Wilson is now enjoying success as a solo artist. He performs songs from his musical career, which spans nearly four decades, during a New Year’s Eve concert at the Chicago Theatre.
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In the 1980s, the R&B/funk group Cameo hit the mainstream with singer Larry Blackmon leading the way with his signature red codpiece and famous “owww”catchphrase.
Now, more than 30 years later, Cameo continues to tour and will perform its classic funk jams Saturday alongside R&B stars Morris Day & the Time, and Steve Arrington at the Fantastic Funk Jam, presented by radio station V103 (WVAZ-FM), at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond.
Continue reading “Cameo’s ’80s funk still in the groove”
Cedric the Entertainer is no stranger to Chicago.
He came up through the ranks here in the ’90s performing at the famed All Jokes Aside comedy club in the South Loop — with the late Bernie Mac, Adele Givens and George Wilborn.
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Comedian Charlie Murphy has taken a winding road to stardom. He is a successful screenwriter, with movies such as “Norbit” and “Vampire in Brooklyn,” which he co-wrote with younger brother, Eddie, who also played the lead role, under his belt.
But it wasn’t until his breakout performance on the Comedy Central sketch comedy series, “The Chappelle Show,” detailing his adventures with singers such as Rick James and Prince, that he became known as more than Eddie Murphy’s older brother.
Continue reading “Charlie Murphy steps outside his brother’s shadow”
Singer Melanie Fiona discussed her love of old school music, winning two Grammys, and touring with two veterans in the game– Mary J. Blige and D’Angelo.
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NBA Phoenix Suns guard Shannon Brown has never forgotten his Maywood roots.
That is why he launched the Wood-Star Music Festival last year, a music festival showcasing R&B and old school hip-hop artists. The proceeds benefit the Shannon Brown Foundation, dedicated to provide scholarships and financial assistance to inner-city youth.
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The simple girl with an enormous gift.
That is how gospel singer BeBe Winans describes his friend of 28 years, Whitney Houston, who was found dead Feb. 11 in the bathtub of a Los Angeles hotel.
In his recently released book, “The Whitney I Knew,” Winans relates some of the moments he shared with the world-renowned singer, including an unforgettable experience with Houston at a movie theater.
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The son of African-American sharecroppers, Will Allen left his family’s farm to play professional basketball. He returned to his roots when he purchased a 100-acre farm outside of Milwaukee, Wisc.
In his new book, “The Good Food Revolution,” encourages urban farming and healthy eating.
“It is so important to understand where our food comes from and not just eat any kind of food because people put it in your neighborhood,” he says.
Click here to learn more about how Allen has caught the attention of First Lady Michelle Obama and has partnered with her to eliminate food deserts.