After three decades of comedic fun, Chicago is set to honor one of its very own. Damon Williams has graced thousands of stages worldwide for his sensational and hilarious delivery of comedy that fans can’t get enough of. After thirty years as a successful comedian, he’s “Bringing the Celebration back home.”
With 25 years in the industry, Damon Williams is a former business owner from Chicago, IL, who began his comedy career at All Jokes Aside Comedy Club. Damon has made television appearances, including BET’s Comic View dating back to 1994, including his own one-hour special. He’s been featured on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, The Tom Joyner Sky Show on TV ONE, and HBO’s P Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy. Comedian George Wilborn hopes that other comedians will continue to strive to have careers just as plentiful as Damon Williams.
“I’m so excited to see the progression of Damon from the first time I saw him step foot on stage thirty years ago. He has done so much in his time and had the career that people dream of really birthing. The sky is the limit for him, and he’s truly a role model for younger comedians coming up that understand the importance of hard work,” says popular comedian George Wil-born.
“The Funny Man” from Chicago has even hosted several episodes of the legendary Showtime at the Apollo, following seasoned host & TV star Steve Harvey. In 1999 Damon performed for over 300,000 fans as the opening act for the highly successful Kings of Comedy Tour, establishing him as one of the elite comics in the nation.
Internationally, Damon is a fan favorite in the Cayman Islands and has made regular appear-ances in Canada with stops in Vancouver, Montreal, and Edmonton. Damon has even been featured on The Real Deal Comedy Jam, which airs in the UK. Monthly comedy shows for the House of Blues came were the result of one appearance on the Jenny Jones Show. He was contracted to write, perform, and produce over 50 episodes. His material is universal, and there’s something for all ages. His popularity has provided him the opportunity to work with some of the biggest stars in the business, such as Aretha Franklin, Pattie Labelle, Luther Vandross, Ray Charles, Harry Belafonte, Chris Rock, James Brown, Jamie Foxx, Little Richard, and even Presi-dent Barack Obama – where he served as host for a campaign brunch.
You’ve also seen Damon recently on tours and shows such as Host of HBO’s Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest, The US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, the Cedric the Entertainer Revue, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment, Comics Unleashed, Black Pack Comedy Tour, Laughin’ on the Outside – Cryin’ on the Inside, most Funny Bone & Improv Comedy Clubs nationwide and maintains his monthly showcases in Chicago for Funny First Mondays. He’s caught the acting bug with starring roles in films Not Another Black Movie, lead in Heaven on Seven, and also an appearance on the Bounce TV sitcom Grown Folks.
Damon is keeping Chicago on the map as co-owner of Riddle’s Comedy Club, where he has been providing a stage for new and veteran comedic talent. Damon has acted as a guest host on the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show and has been seen on Chicago’s Day Talk Show, “Windy City Live.”
The tribute show will be hosted at City Winery, 1200 West Randolph Street in Chicago, on Thursday, January 26th, at 6 PM. Tickets are available at Citywinery.com/Chicago.
