ATL House of Comedy

By Diarra Davis

On Saturday, March 12th, the Atlanta House of Comedy invaded Apache Café. Beginning at 7 pm and performing two shows in succession, there was a room filled with up and coming comedians from everywhere. It was a full house for both the opening show and the following 9 o’ clock performance.

This was an opportunity, not only to be entertained by the riotous acts that came to split sides, but also catch a glimpse of the Atlanta’s comedic community. The corporate crowd, as named by comic veteran Arnesto Ross, shared hearty laughs with these hard working showmen. What I learned most is that the ATL is home to some of the best working comedians and people need to pay attention. These cats don’t do swag and are not to be taken for granted.

Zay Ali provided the intro music as Corey ‘Zoo Man’ Miller acted as the master of ceremonies. Fitting considering his long-standing presence as an Apache participant, Zoo man, a big piece of Apache and Atlanta’s history, since Yin Yang and the Chronicle. Heading a team that featured a few of their creative minds on this night, Zoo Man developed a multimedia force rooted in comedy. Displaying a diverse range, the members of this squad are not one-dimensional. Look for the ‘Co-Workers’ on Youtube.com.

The night’s happenings were utterly hilarious. Karlous Miller of the ATL Co-Workers, clowned on Souljah Boy and other over swagged rap acts. The young Miller has been the rocking stage for more than six years after knowing that stand up was something he wanted to do in the 10th grade. Karlous showed why he is considered the LeBron James of the ‘Co-Workers’ with a thorough act that had everyone in the building bursting out in guffaws that were well earned.

There were quite a few first time folks new to Apache. T Mo B Redikulus, who definitely was, Darryl Damm, and Marcus Combs highlighted the difference in men and women’s texting speed with an impressive anecdote. Combs closed, representing his physically challenged friends, who know how to rock the Cha-Cha slide could teach us all a little something. Another guest Apache first timer was Tropic Thunder co-star, and Martin Lawrence’s Big Momma 2 screen partner, Brandon T. Jackson. Jackson is in town filming a television series and found the Apache crowd quite discriminating.

Twice a year, the Atlanta House of Comedy forms like Voltron to present this blend of comic talent. The Atlanta comedy scene has gone through a lot of transitions and seen many come and go. In the south, recession relocation has led a lot of thirty something comedians to the city seeking stardom. Corey ‘Zoo Man’ Miller views the stage, mic and money hustle as crowded. Yet, once in the game, the love can keep you there. You could tell beyond a shadow of a doubt that these wizards of wit truly love what they do and they do it well. Honest laughs were made by all this weekend thanks to another successfully funny show, well done, as evidenced by the soreness of my sides.