Comic Earthquake two decades ago co-owned the Uptown Comedy Corner in Buckhead, shaking up the comedy landscape.
He now returns every year or two as a comedy headliner. On Saturday, March 22, he hits the Atlanta Civic Center with Bruce Bruce.
"Atlanta is my second home, man," Earthquake said from New York. He left Atlanta a decade ago. "This is where I learned my craft. It allowed me to be who I am today. I will always be indebted to Atlanta and Uptown."
He worked with Gary Abdo in the early 1990s to bring a black comedy club into Buckhead, a bold move at the time. Gary got the investors, handled the books. Earthquake emceed and brought the crowds in. "We called it Uptown because it wasn't Midtown or downtown."
At first, comics boycotted his club because they were loyal to another existing in-town Comedy Act Theatre. (That club wouldn't give Earthquake stage time, which was the impetus for him to work with Abdo.) But when Steve Harvey jumped ship and helped him out at Uptown, the tide shifted, Within three years, Comedy Act Theatre was gone. Uptown thrived.
Earthquake is now an afternoon host on the legendary WBLS-FM in New York City. He would also like to get back into acting.
When he comes to Atlanta, he likes to visit old friends, including the owner of strip club Magic City and Harvey. Plus, he always enjoys the food at Spondivits and Houston's.
Concert preview
Earthquake and Bruce Bruce, Arnez J and Dominique
7 p.m., Saturday March 22
$47.50-$74.70
Atlanta Civic Center
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