Local rapper Jabee Williams to host, featuring a packed comedic lineup for LayUps2StandUps premier event at Tower Theatre
Established in Oklahoma City, the Why Not? Comedy Show, part of the LA-based Layups2Standup innovative brand portfolio, will return to Tower Theatre for its 4th year, bringing founder and comedian Demetrius “Juice” Deason to the forefront as a featured performer, and rapper Jabee Williams as emcee, on Friday, January 10, 2020 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 8.
After a successful pop-up experience in Tulsa in July, the Why Not? Comedy Show will return to its hometown for a night that intertwines the love of basketball and heart of laughter into one evening. The 2020 event will carry on the passion of co-founder Russell Westbrook’s Why Not? mentality and once again Juice will bring the city together for a night dedicated to entertaining and celebrating the spirit of Oklahoma City. In keeping with the community-driven, star-studded nature of years’ past, the show will highlight top comedians from around the country and uniquely produce a not-to-be missed evening to ring in the new year.
“You know, I’ve really come to love Oklahoma, and particularly Oklahoma City,” Deason said. “There’s something about the city that naturally complimented my desire to build community around laughter and we were able to start something really awesome. I’m here to continue what Russell and I started, and there’s a reason I’m not hosting this year. OKC, get ready for these jokes!”
The Why Not? Comedy Show will partner with a local nonprofit organization and donate a percentage of sales to a cause benefiting inner-city and at-risk youth in Oklahoma City.
In appearances and shows across the country, Juice is open to sharing the details of his upbringing and insight into what has shaped him into the performer he is today. Juice was introduced to Oklahoma City by his best friend Russell Westbrook back in 2014, and in 2016 they hosted the first Why Not? Comedy Show.
For this year’s event, Juice will perform an exclusive set for the audience, making 2020 the first year he will step beyond hosting duties and entertain the crowd. Coincidentally, the show will take place the night after Russell Westbrook’s professional return to Oklahoma City, suited in an away team jersey for the first time since the off-season trade. As the duo initially established, the Why Not? Comedy Show will continue on under Juice’s brand umbrella, continuing his dream of inspiring creativity across entertainment platforms.
Additional performers in the lineup will be announced soon. Previous comedians have included Gary Owen, Ron Taylor, Steven Briggs, Alex Powers and BT Kingsley.
The event is sponsored by Cline Construction, Anthem Brewing, 21c Museum Hotels and Tower Theatre.