BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham’s own Rickey Smiley will return to UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center for a performance Friday, Oct. 25, the weekend of the Magic City Classic.
Smiley’s hilarious stand-up and sketch comedy show will feature his most outrageously funny character, Minister Joe Willie, joined by the Deuteronomaires. The show will start at 8 p.m. Oct. 25, in the ASC’s Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $63.50, $53.50 and $41.50. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.org or call 205-975-2787.
Big- and small-screen star Smiley sold out previous Magic City Classic weekend shows at the Alys Stephens Center in 2010 and 2011. The comedian, television host and nationally syndicated radio personality has the distinct ability to take everyday observations and turn them into comedic gold. A standout in the entertainment world, he is one of the few “clean” comics among the upper echelon of contemporary stand-up acts. Some of Smiley’s original characters include “Mrs. Bernice Jenkins,” “Lil’ Daryl” and “Beauford,” according to his website, www.RickeySmiley.com. His comedy shows are often accompanied by a band, and Smiley himself plays several instruments and sings.
Considered by many to be one of the funniest comedians touring today, he performs his hilarious trademark characters for crowds at comedy clubs and sold-out arenas alike. He is the host of “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” heard on radio stations across the nation and locally on 95.7 JAMZ. Every morning since his radio program began in 2007, Smiley has brought to life his many characters and bits, including prank phone calls, “Paternity Test Tuesday,” “Wake Up Wednesday,” “Gary’s Tea,” “News You Can’t Use” or “The Joke of the Day.” The “Rickey Smiley Morning Show” is a blend of laughter, serious discussion of social issues, political awareness and community outreach. His television show on TV One, “The Rickey Smiley Show,” which is loosely based on his own life, began its second season July 26. He also is a featured columnist on the tabloid show “Dish Nation” on FOX. Smiley released his DVD special, “Open Casket Sharp” in fall 2011, when it premiered on BET and debuted at No. 1 on iTunes.
