Categories
All
Archives
January 2022
|
![]() DWAYNE KENNEDY is a stand-up comedian, actor and writer whose TV writing credits include The Arsenio Hall Show (CBS), The Orlando Jones Show (FX), and the critically acclaimed FX/FXX original series, Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell. His debut stand-up comedy EP, “OH NO, IT’S DWAYNE KENNEDY!” is available now at Bandcamp, with a variable price point plan (Black Folks = $9, White Folks = It Depends). Dwayne got his start in comedy in his native Chicago at Zanies Comedy Club, and has since evolved into one of the funniest and most thought-provoking comedians of our time. His satirical diversions and piercing perspective on social and world issues showcase a comedic genius heralded by the likes of Chris Rock and Marc Maron. Described as a “world-class stand-up” by The Village Voice, Dwayne continues to challenge the norm and connect with audiences through his keen, incisive wit. Winner of the 2002 US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado, Dwayne’s stand-up has been featured on The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Premium Blend, Comedy Central Presents, and Talkin' Dirty after Dark. Dwayne’s acting credits include roles on Seinfeld, Martin, Amen, 227 and in the feature film How High. He’s also had the distinction of appearing as a correspondent on Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell, where one of his popular segments was named the “The Most Intentionally Funny Video of the Day” at Nerdist. ![]() Omnipop Talent Group is a full service management company which continues to expand its talent base to include trained, experienced dramatic actors. They continue building upon its established reputation for representing strong comedic actors and stand-up comics crossing over into acting, hosting, writing and producing. Some of the clients include Maria Bamford, Andy Kindler, Jonathan Katz, Doug Benson, and more! Started in 1983 by Bruce Smith, Omnipop was solely a personal appearance agency for bands and comics with placement in clubs and colleges throughout the country. Smith was shortly joined by owners Tom Ingegno and Ralph Asquino who, by 1989, knew they wanted to work in television and had acquired talent ready to move on to the next level. Tom Ingegno, who runs the New York office, is also president of the East Coast office's theatrical Division. Tom has a background in theater, has performed in bands and has written and produced three albums. The Los Angeles office was opened in 1990 and is run by Bruce Smith, president of the West Coast Theatrical Division. He has a background in film, communications and has also performed in bands. Ralph Asquino joined Tom Ingegno in the East Coast office and has a musical performance background. ![]() Kerri Pomarolli is an stand up comedian, actress, and author based in Los Angeles, California. Kerri has 29 appearances on The Tonight Show between 2000-2012. She has toured with everyone from Sherri Shepherd from The View to Candace Cameron Bure, to Jim Carrey, to Carol Channing. She has been the host and emcee for The CA Women's Conference with such stars a Marcia Cross, Tippy Hedren, and Fran Drescher. Kerri has published 4 books, including Guys Like Girls Named Jennie and Moms' Night Out. Kerri is a majorly sought after corporate motivational speaker with past clients such as Hershey, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, and Cisco Systems. She can be seen on Nick at Nite, Moms Night Out, and her TV web series Momland with co-star Angela Hoover from Americas Got Talent. She is also starring in The Brennan Manning Story, directed by David Leo Schultz which is on Netflix now. ![]() Jimmy McHugh has been dishing out his style of comedy for over 25 years. Born and raised on the Northwest side of Chicago, Jimmy blends a mixture of classic observational humor emphasized with his unique vocal and facial expressions. Taking his swings at the world of sports, Ernie Tucker of the Chicago Sun Times wrote, "Jim McHugh delivers some of the funniest sports material I have ever heard." Jimmy appears at various national comedy clubs and has also been seen on Comedy Central, HBO, MTV, ESPN2 and the Oprah Winfrey Show. 2017 Pasadena: Joe DunganShown here from left to right back row: Finalist Anji Stubbs, Bruce Smith of Omnipop, Finalist Katsy Chappell, Finalist Josh Novey. Front Row left to right: Celebrity Performer Erica Rhodes, and Winner Joe Dungan. 2017 Chicago: Steve SmargonShown with trophy, winner Steve Smargon. Next to him on the left is creator of the challenge Leslie Norris Townsend and to her left, finalist Sally Baucke. Between the winner and Leslie is finalist Shawn Reynolds, and next to the winner on the right is finalist Jeffrey Donaldson. 2016 Todd Justice2015 Mike Parramore2014 William Woody2013 Charlene MaeWinner: Charlene Mae Finalists: C.J. Harlow from Kentucky, John Floyd from North Carolina, Charlene Mae from Georgia and Andy Beningo from Michigan. 2012 Marty SimpsonWinner: Marty Simpson - See Clean Comedian Marty Simpson's website. Finalists: Charlene Mae, Jody Fuller (New-Comer of the Year), and Dan Brown Celebrity Judges: Dennis Regan, Leslie Norris Townsend, Bobby Kelton, Suzanne Bartels, Joby Saad Also shown in the back, 2011 Winner, Clayburn Cox. 2011 Clayburn CoxHolding trophy, winner Clayburn Cox. On the left, C.J. Harlowe and on the right, Joe Bryan. 2010 Jonnie W.From left to right: Leslie Townsend, Michelle Krajecki, White Choclate, Jonnie W. (WINNER) Clayburn Cox (runner up), Joby Saad
See Jonnie W.'s website. Semi-Finalists (not pictured here) DD Ingrahn, Renard Hirsch, Marty Simpson, Scott Gregory |