How to go
What: Top Shelf Comedy Tour featuring Earthquake, Bruce Bruce, Gary Owen and Dominique
Where: Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $27-$79
More info: 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com
Package tours featuring multiple comedians became commonplace following the success of the Original Comedians of Comedy in the late 1990s. It’s a win-win concept because the comics get to play larger venues and audiences get several headliners for one reasonable price.
The Top Shelf Comedy Tour, a new outing featuring Earthquake, Bruce Bruce, Gary Owen and Dominique, makes its world premiere at the Schuster Center in Dayton on Sunday.
Here’s some background on the co-headliners.
Earthquake
Like many comedians, Earthquake wears many creative hats. The man, born Nathaniel Stroman in Washington, D.C., on May 29, 1963, is primarily a stand-up comic, but he also hosts his own daily radio show, “Quake’s House,” on WBLS-FM (107.5) in New York.
While he has never given up on his club and theater performances, Earthquake has also acted in films and television programs and does voice over work for animation. He had a recurring role as Uncle Mike on the sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris” and will be seen later this year in the film “Busted.” His other credits include “Clerks II,” “The Longshots” and “Something Like a Business.” Artist info: www.quakeshouse.com.
Bruce Bruce
Although best known as a stand-up comedian, the former host of BET’s “Comic View” has his own growing film resume. In addition to a scene-stealing role as Chubby Man in the 2013 comedy hit, “Think Like a Man,” Bruce Bruce has appeared in films such as “The Wash,” “Idlewild” and “Who’s Your Caddy?” The Georgia native’s 2011 stand-up special, “Losin’ It,” is currently available on Hulu.com. Artist info: www.bruce-bruce.com.
Gary Owen
The West Chester-based comedian is a familiar face to local fans. The Ohio native was a regular at Jokers Comedy Club before it closed in 2006 and he has made The Funny Bone at The Greene a regular stop.
In 2013, he co-hosted the TruTV series, “Upload,” with former NBA all-star Shaquille O’Neal. Like Bruce Bruce, Owen appeared in “Think Like a Man” and was a host of “Comic View.” He also has a role alongside Kevin Hart and Ice Cube in the new comedy “Ride Along.” Artist info: www.garyowen.com.
Dominique
The comedian was a night-shift postal worker in her hometown of Washington, D.C. when she began doing stand-up in area clubs. Today, the Los Angeles-based performer is a cast member on the popular syndicated radio program, “The Tom Joyner Morning Show.”
She has showcased her unapologetic style on television programs such as “Def Comedy Jam” and “Comics Unleashed.” In 2013, she appeared on “Wanda Sykes Presents Herlarious.” Artist info: www.shesofunny.com.
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