Brian "Da Wildcat" Smith

Q: What inspired you to start stand up comedy?
A: I’ve always enjoyed making people laugh. I used to crack jokes to make my mother laugh not knowing all that she was going through raising 3 children basically on her own. The feeling that I received knowing that I could make her smile inspired me to pursue a life of comedy. The inspiration to pursue a career in stand up comedy also has origins in the freedom that came along with the career including the ability to travel, set my own working hours, and the sense of security knowing that I did not have to punch a clock in order to provide for myself or at the time, a family in the future.

Q: Describe your first performance.
A: My first performance occurred when I was about 11. While spending the week-end over my grandparents house, my auntie Elrita Smith decided to put me on the spot after my grandparents went out of town. I cracked jokes about getting disciplined, growing up in Harvey, Illinois (which at the time was considered the suburbs), and respectfully roasted my father’s side of the family. As a professional, my first performance was at the age 21 at a venue in Matteson, Illinois with Chicago legend Damon Williams. The performance was a hit and it allowed me to gain access to all the local comedy shows in Chicago. At the same time, it left people wondering was this my first time on stage or was I lying about my performance experience.

Q: Do you have “pre-show” rituals? If so, what are they?
A: My pre-show ritual has changed over the years. As a young comic, I would practice my jokes and facial expressions in the mirror imagining myself in front of a large crowd. As the years went by, I began to meditate before shows allowing myself to clear my mind and focus on the future. I often listen to music, review audio, or video of my previous performances, and allow time for a last minute review of my selected material for the night.



Q: Where in the world is your favorite place to perform stand up? Why is this your favorite place?
A: My favorite place to perform is overseas because it forces me to relate to the audience’s experiences or bring them into my world. Even Americans living abroad will have a different perspective of the world because perspective is all about demographics and geography. It brought me great pleasure to perform for the troops in Germany, Belgium, and Holland while selfishly satisfying my desires to see the world.

Q: What shows, podcasts, blogs do you produce or co-produce?
A: I am currently a part of producing a podcast called “BYOB” where we talk about current topics, infuse new material, and enjoying a classic alcohol of our choice. I am also in the process of partnering with some local investors to open a comedy club in the south loop district of Chicago, Illinois.

Q: What are three of your favorite things?
A: My three favorite things are my 3 children Brian Jr., Malachi, and Phoenix Smith. They are the reasons I wake up everyday and subject myself to the constant scrutiny that occurs in the entertainment industry. I want them to understand the importance of entrepreneurship and the pursuit of happiness. They give me the constant reminder that life is all about legacy and continuing the purpose of promoting God’s kingdom.



Q: What is your favorite sammich?
A: My favorite ‘sammich’ is called a “BBQ Twist” from a local store called The Soul Vegetarian Restaurant located on the south side of Chicago.

Q: What’s one thing people assume about you, that is or isn’t true?
A: For years people have often assumed that I am married, but I am not. Unless you would consider my marriage to comedy. Their assumption is often derived from my laid back personality and lack of interest in “groupies”. A lot of comedians, both male and female, are excited by the attention of fans before and after their performances. Although love can be found in the club, my focus has always been to be the best I can be and only focus on the fact that the check clears the next day after the show.

Q: If you weren’t a comic, what other job would you love to do?
A: If I wasn’t a comedian, I would probably have a career in the automobile industry. I have always had a love for cars especially classic cars and the process of keeping up the maintenance of the vehicles.



Q:What are some comedy goals/dreams you have on your To Do List?
A: My goals associated with comedy include getting more into the acting industry which will allow me to obtain rental properties and start to receive residual income.

Q: What quality, trait and/or body part do you really like about yourself?
A: My mind is the most favorable element of myself because it is truly my gift and curse. My mind allows me the perfect amount of freedom while at the same time my thoughts running wild forces me to live in a box of endless possibilities. In addition, I think my eyes are kinda dreamy… lol.

Q: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you? [or anything else you’d like mentioned, i.e. your education, personal life or mission statement]
A: I would like for people to know that I am an educated man with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Communications, a proud parent, and a person who doesn’t mind not fitting in with the masses.



Q: How will you know you “Made It?”
A: In my mind, I’ve already made it because I am my own boss. I wake up when I want to, take vacations without requesting off times, and walk to the beat of my own drum. However, I will know that I’ve made it when I solidify my relationship with God and can make more decisions without finances being a deciding factor.

COMING UP
8.11.2018: “Back 2 Tha’ Roots” — Batesville Civic Center in Batesville, MS
8.12.2018: “Arvin Mitchell & Friends” — Blueberry Hill in St. Louis, MO
8.26.2018: “THE FIRM Barber Expo” — Chicago Marriott O’Hare - Mona Aburmishan

Comedians Just Nesh and Brian “Da Wildcat” Smith Star in Hilarious Stage Tour Production “If You Are Invited to the Cookout”
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Comedians Just Nesh and Brian “Da Wildcat” Smith Star in Hilarious Stage Tour Production “If You Are Invited to the Cookout”
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Chicago – Writer / director Arnetta Randall has the uncanny ability to recreate characters and scenarios that really touch the heart. As the creative force behind Randall Productions, the young writer may be a newbie on the scene, but she is setting her stage for real success. Her first foray into theater, “If You Are Invited to the Cookout,” starring Taneshia “Just Nesh” Rice from “Kevin Hart Presents: The Next Level,” and extreme funny man Brian “Da Wildcat” Smith (Fox TV’s “REL”), is slated to embark on a two-city midwestern tour. “If You Are Invited to the Cookout” will premiere March 15 in Chicago at the Harold Washington Cultural Center and continue on to Milwaukee at the MATC Cooley on March 29.

“If You’re Invited to the Cookout” follows Ally Smith, a young African American Yale graduate upon her return home to the southside of Chicago for a family cookout. She has plans to introduce her family to her fiancé, Ethan Wells, a white college graduate from a well to do family with an upbringing that is the complete opposite of Ally’s. Ally’s family is filled with colorful characters including a cousin who doesn’t approve of interracial dating; a stern disapproving father who doesn’t think anyone is good enough for his daughter; and a loud, outspoken grandmother who constantly bickers with the next-door neighbors. Ally is embarrassed by her family’s humble beginnings and rambunctious nature. Will their love be enough to survive the comedic shenanigans that ensue?



Randall is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in creative writing. The 32-year old talented writer has had her work featured in the Black Youth Project, XO Necole, and Nia Magazine. She’s written, directed and produced two short films, “Kismet” and “Illusion.” “Kismet,” her first film, is a romantic comedy that got accepted into multiple film festivals and garnered wide media acclaim. “Illusion” is a 6-minute dramatic short that was inspired by the murder of Karen Elaine Smith, a teacher murdered by her husband in San Bernardino, and explores domestic violence.

ArnettaRandallShe is also the writer and director of “Hook Ups,” an episodic web-series for Open TV currently airing on YouTube. “Hook Ups” is a show that explores modern dating practices in a culture obsessed with online dating, swiping left, ‘Netflix and chill’ and casual hook-ups. “Hook Ups” showcases people from all backgrounds, gender expressions and sexual orientation, with the first season exploring straight, lesbian and gay couples.



“If You’re Invited to the Cookout” is based off a central character from another web series Randall has in development. The series, “Freaky Phyllis,” follows the carryons of a bad grandma after the death of her husband. “Freaky Phyllis” will be released in April after the last scheduled stage production.

“As a creative writer, I believe it is important to present my work across a diversity of platforms. With so much access now afforded us, I feel the world warrants the broad explorations of different mediums. I’m extremely excited to not only take an actual production on the road, but I’m encouraged by the depth of talents I get to work with. Kevin Hart saw in Just Nesh what the everyone else is finding out – and that is – she is a phenomenal comedic talent. I’ve followed Brian “Da Wildcat” Smith’s work for years, and he cracks me up every time I see him. I can hardly believe he is now performing in one of my productions. My entire cast and crew have been beyond supportive in making ‘If You’re Invited to the Cook Out’ happen and we can’t wait for the audience to taste what we been cookin’!”

Make sure you are invited to the cookout. For ticket information go to http://www.invitedtocookout.com.

NOTE TO MEDIA: For interviews contact jazzmynepr at gmail.com.
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All For The Money
Own It February 19, 2019

Genre: Urban Romantic Comedy

Runtime: 106 Minutes

UPC: 824355557824, MAV-5578

Storyline
All for the Money...a not so every day love story of when opposites attract. When 67-year-old Eddie Wilson, who lives in his mom's basement, meets the thirty something, hot and classy real estate agent Simone Washington on the "lasttryforyou.com" dating website, it seemed like love at first site. Or at least for him. In a scheme to try to get more internet buzz, the executives at the website give Eddie Wilson one week to convince Simone to marry him. If he succeeds, he wins $500,000 dollars. Of course, they don't think he has what it takes. Well, does he? A comedy you don't want to miss.

Produced By
Quincy J. Trent

Directed By
Quincy J. Trent

Cast
Brian "Da Wildcat" Smith, maisha r. carter

About the Crew
Quincy J. Trent is a writer and Director from Chicago. He has directed numerous stage plays starring Some of Chicago's most talented actors. All for the Money is his third completed film
Brian "Da Wildcat" Smith is a comedian/actor who had starred in movies alongside Angela Bassett and Robert Townsend in "Of Boys and Men" and "Call Center". his latest achievement is winning the Shaquille O'Neal Allstar comedy competition where He took home the crown. He recently had a role in Fox Television's new sitcom "Rel"
Simeon Henderson is no stranger to inspiring independent film. He's guest starred in shows like Chicago fire, Chicago P.D., and empire and has been in movies such as "dangerous obsession", "Jeremy Brooks - Maverick Entertainment Group

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL PRESENTS: ALL STAR COMEDY JAM: I'M STILL LAUGHING TO PREMIERE FRIDAY, MARCH 23 AT 10 PM ET/PT ON SHOWTIME
New Stand-Up Comedy Special Hosted By Bill Bellamy Features Bruce Bruce, Huggy Low Down, Aida Rodriguez And Brian ‘Da Wildcat’ Smith




LOS ANGELES – March 22, 2018 – Comedian and actor Bill Bellamy (Any Given Sunday, How to Be A Player) takes center stage to host the eighth and final installment of Shaquille O'Neal's comedy franchise, SHAQUILLE O'NEAL PRESENTS: ALL STAR COMEDY JAM: I'M STILL LAUGHING, premiering on SHOWTIME on Friday, March 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on-air, on demand and over the internet. Filmed at The Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the new special features comedy veteran and fan-favorite Bruce Bruce (Think Like A Man, The Wash, Idlewild) teaming up with Huggy Lowdown (Tom Joyner Morning Show), Aida Rodriguez (Last Comic Standing, The Comedian) and Brian "Da Wildcat" Smith (2015 Winner of The Nationwide Shaq All Star Comedy Competition) for a hilarious line-up in a high-energy night of comedy.

To watch and share a first look from SHAQUILLE O'NEAL PRESENTS: ALL STAR COMEDY JAM: I'M STILL LAUGHING, go to: https://youtu.be/9rX5MOSuOhw.

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL PRESENTS: ALL STAR COMEDY JAM: I'M STILL LAUGHING is directed by Leslie Small and executive produced by Shaquille O'Neal and Jeffrey Clanagan along with producer Valerie Benning Thompson.

SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon, Google, Xbox One and Samsung. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Channels. The network’s authentication service, Showtime Anytime, is available at no additional cost to SHOWTIME customers who subscribe to the network through participating providers. Subscribers can also watch on their computers at www.showtime.com and www.showtimeanytime.com. - CBSExpress.com

"Stop the Violence Talent Showcase"
June 16, 2018
6–10 pm
1043 East 43rd Street
Chicago, IL
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Divine Purpose Youth Performing Arts Center
http://www.divinepurposeyouth.org
National Gun Violence Awareness Month!


You are cardinally invited to join Divine Purpose Youth Performing Arts Center, Saturday, Jun 16, 2018 for the "Stop The Violence Talent Showcase" at "Room 43" 1043 East 43rd Street, Chicago, Illinois 60653. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets $10 - available now at EventBright.

The event is open to the public and will feature performances by comedian Brian Smith, “Da Wildcat”, Singers Jamie Clay, Brian Williams, live music by John Henderson and the band, Spoken Word Artists, an exciting fashion show by Chicago's very own LI LI Fashion Company and many more. Dr. Willie Wilson will be also joining the event as a special guest speaker.

The founders of DPYPAC, husband and wife team Sergeant Daniel and Victoria Allen, grew up on the westside of Chicago, and experienced first-hand the challenges and obstacles that surrounded their community, and strives to provide opportunities for youth from all backgrounds to do something positive with their talents and their time.

“We’re pleased to be able to take an active role to help bring awareness, and put an end to senseless gun violence that has plague our entire city, said Daniel. “The recent mass shootings in schools around the country is of grave concern to us, and we will have a moment of silence in remembrance of all those who have died as a result of firearms,” he added.

"Supporting Youth in the Creative and Performing Arts"

For sponsorship opportunities contact: ChicagoPRworks@gmail.com

Keywords: artists, entertainment, event, fashion show, performing art, singers, stop the violence

Posted in Community Events - http://www.auburngreshamportal.org

Brian Da Wildcat Smith "Chicago's Own"
posted by Chris Michaels V - Mar 5, 2018 - CHRIS MICHAELS