Today at 10:03 p.m.
by Keturah Smith
‘Jayo Productions’ hosted a comedy show called ‘Laughing my Bells’ Sunday at the Municipal Auditorium, which included several comedians such as DC Young Fly, Big JJ, JJ Williamson, and Jessie Mcdonald, who brought holiday laughter to the city ahead of the upcoming holidays.
JJ Williamson, originally from Jackson, Mississippi, began his career in comedy as a stand-up comedian in 1995 at the infamous Uptown Comedy Corner in Atlanta, Georgia, according to the website. He has worked with some of the most notable names in comedy, including Chris Tucker, D.L. Hughley and Rickey Smiley.
The website stated that for 15 years, he served as an opening act for one of the Original Kings of Comedy, Cedric “The Entertainer.” He was also featured in the movie Johnson Family Vacation alongside Bow Wow, Steve Harvey, Cedric “The Entertainer,” and Vanessa Williams.
“It always been a dream of mine to be in the entertainment business,” Williamson said. “I never truly knew that comedy was going to be my route, but I enjoy making people laugh.
“People use to tell me I was so funny, and I thought to myself — if I’m going to act a fool in school, get sent to the principal office all the time, I might as well go get paid for it.”
He said when first starting off in the industry, it was difficult due to networks such as BET (Black Entertainment Television) and Def Comedy Jam not receiving many views.
“I caught the tail end of it,” he said. “I’ve been on these networks, but I caught it when it was kind of fading out. But luckily, I was blessed to make people laugh, and some of the ‘vets’ that been in the game always spread my name when they traveled, and I also travel with some.
“But, sometimes you don’t get paid, shows get canceled, but you have to believe in your craft and keep going.”
John Whitfield, known as “DC Young Fly,” is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and has been doing comedy for 10 years, according to the website. He is a cast member of the show Wild ‘N Out, created by Nick Cannon, and has also appeared in movies such as Almost Christmas, The Trap, How High 2, and more.
The website stated that Whitfield, alongside Karlous Miller and Anthony “Chico” Bean, started their own podcast called The 85 South Show, where they discuss various topics, interact with the audience, and freestyle songs.
“It’s about having fun and turning up with the people,” Whitfield said. “It’s the holidays, lets laugh and just have a good time.”
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