The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

IT’S going to be a wild night once again at the British Colonial Hilton this Saturday, as Paragon Nights Entertainment presents their First Weekend Comedy Wild Out show.

After their successful show last month that featured comedians Red Grant, Barbara Carlyle and JJ The Bahamian Bernie Mac, members of the organisation told attendees to expect a comedy show hosted every first weekend in the month for the remainder of the year.

This Saturday, the show will be headlined by international comedian Michael Blackson, who is known as the African King of Comedy. Blackson is also known for his “mudda sucka” performance in the comedy movie, “Next Friday.”

According to Blackson’s website, michaelblackson.com, his performances usually leave audiences laughing in tears.

The show will also feature Nassau’s very own Demetrius the Karaoke King and is hosted by comedian Nick Lewis.

Nelson Armaly, of Paragon Nights, told Tribune Entertainment: “Nick Lewis is someone that was here before and just how people fell in love with Barbara Carlyle, they fell in love with him so he’s coming back. These are all veterans that have been in the comedy scene for years so they are not coming with the same material.”

He said: Blackson has also been to the Bahamas before and he’s coming back. One thing that I try to do with them when they come over is to give them an experience of the Bahamas before they even hit the stage. When I spoke to Blackson the last time, he still wanted to know who Johnny was and why does he have a “cake” speaking in regards to the Bahamian Johnny Cake.”
Mr Armaly said he worked with Blackson at the very first comedy show he hosted, and from that moment on he has kept in touch with him.

“We did a show in Freeport together and we was suppose to do a show in Turks and Caicos one time. I always build a good relationship with the comedians. Red Grant went back and told Blackson about how much of a good time he had here and he called and asked what was going on. We hooked back up to do this to make sure that everyone has a good experience,” said Mr Armaly.
Speaking about Bahamian additions to the show, Mr Armaly said the goal of his company is to offer an experience for new talent.

“There are a lot of Bahamians that we don’t get to see, and they are very funny. So we are giving them a chance to showcase their talent. People are coming from America to here to perform, so why is it that Bahamians can’t leave here and go to America also to showcase their talent. I want us to get to that point where the media and contacts that I have can work for Bahamian comedians,” said Mr Armaly.

Mr Armaly said one of the changes he added to this particular show is the comedian and attendee mix and mingle after the event.
He said: “After the show the last time, the comedians actually wanted to mix with the crowd. So this time we are going to have music upstairs right after the event so that people can do more mixing and take more pictures with the comedians.”

Mr Armaly said since the last show, Bahamian patrons have been very appreciative of the idea that the event will be hosted by Paragon Nights every month.
He said: “Everyone has been saying that this is something that they really wanted and it is something that they were looking for.

That crowd that came out last month, I have never seen that crowd at a comedy show before so I was really impressed and happy with that.

“They just want to make sure that it is consistent, they don’t want us to start and then stop. We assured them that it’s not going to be an issue and we are definitely going to keep this going on,” said Mr Armaly.

For all interested persons, advance ticket prices are $25 general admission, $35 VIP and more at the door. Tickets are available at Airbrush Junkies, Cash N’ Go Locations and Stiletto’s Shoe Loft. Platinum Tables are also available, contact 464-4709 for more information and reservations.