Event

The Harlem Comedy Renaissance

Black comedy, has been an evolving tradition from Vaudeville to Def Jam. Some of the loudest and most articulate voices in comedy have come directly from the urban tradition. The Mecca for these voices has been, and always will be, Harlem.

Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Belle Barth, Godfrey Cambridge, Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Chris Harvey, Dick Gregory, Charlie Barnett, Sinbad, Freddie Prinze, Nipsey Russell, LaWanda Page, Allen Drew, Chris Tucker, Scatman Crouthers, Marsha Warfield, Pigmeat Markham, Franklyn Ajaye, Moms Maybley, Rick Aviles,DL Hugley, Flip Wilson, Dave Chappelle, Pablo Francisco, Jimmy Walker, George Kirby, Arsenio Hall, Mark Curry, Steve Harvey, Mo'nique, Bill Cosby...

The rich tradition of Harlem comedy can be found in the hallowed walls of the Apollo, but also in the small club tradition at venues such as The Baby Grand, Club Barron, The Palm Caf.., and Smalls Paradise. From Mantan Moreland to Monique, comedy ebbs and flows through Harlem with the ease of a great jazz riff. And like Jazz, the time and talent help to evolve the art-form so that it is as fresh today, as it was to our great-grandparents.

Tonight the brightest voices in this genre will grace our stage for the Harlem Comedy Rennaissance.