By Creig Ewing
Louisville Laughs is proud to have Dwight Simmons headlining a special show on Thursday, Feb. 22, at Monnik Beer Co. in Louisville.
Dwight is a co-director of the Limestone Comedy Festival and the creator and host of the web series BrewTube Comedy. His comedy special, “Who’s The Master” debuted on YouTube on July of 2023. He also has a podcast, Mat and Dwight Just Might.
He will be joined at Monnik with Louisville favorite Mandee McKelvey.
You can get tickets here to see two of the best comics in the region together for one night. Use Promo Code DWIGHT to get $5 off while it’s available.
Dwight Simmons
Dwight was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions from Louisville Laughs.
Louisville Laughs: You perform standup, you have a webcast, a podcast and you write for Bob & Tom on radio. How do you keep up with all that and what medium is next?
Dwight Simmons: B vitamins, caffeine and optimism LOL. When you do things that you’re passionate about, it doesn’t feel so overwhelming. I’m self-managed, so I think it’s important to try and explore as many avenues as possible just to see what sticks and what resonates with people. I’m a full time comic so if I’m not busy it feels like I’m letting down the boss (myself).
I really just want to keep pushing the things that I’m already involved with forward. Although, I’d love to write a book and a collection of short stories from the road.
On your comedy special, “Who’s the Master?” a lot of the humor is based on having a white wife. You make racial differences funny without being edgy. What’s the key to that?
Dwight: It just comes from a place of honesty. Personal experiences that I feel are hilarious. People think that talking about race is so controversial, and I’m like “this is my real life!” When you’re able to convey your own life experience in a funny way, I think you can talk about anything.
You are the co-director of the prestigious Limestone Comedy Festival in Bloomington. What are the best and worst things about festivals? What tips would you give comics when they apply to festivals?
Dwight: Festivals are great for networking with people at your same level and getting seen by industry. Unfortunately, networking is a big part of being successful in stand-up, but festivals make it feel not so icky and formal. Well-run festivals are really just a weekend-long party that feels like comedian summer camp.
Festivals can be expensive as you are often responsible for your own travel, lodging and food for the weekend. I often tell comics to treat it as a business expense and make sure you’re ready so that you can focus on having great sets.
What suggestions do you have for people newer to comedy — what should they avoid or do more of?
Dwight: Avoid chasing trends and focus on getting comfortable on stage. Also, listen to the “Mat and Dwight Just Might” podcast where we dole out stand-up comedy advice and answer relevant questions from up-and-coming comedians. Wink wink.
What’s your comedy horror story?
Dwight: In 2014 I was in severe denial about losing my hair. I had an afro, but the top was thin as hell. Like a young George Jefferson.
One night I was hanging in the green room at Morty’s in Indianapolis. Ms. Pat walked in, looked at me and said “IT LOOK LIKE SOMEONE SET A CUP ON TOP OF THAT BOYS HEAD!” I’ve had a shaved head ever since.
You can find more Dwight on Instagram and TikTok. Check out his Website here.
Get your tickets to the Feb. 22 Monnik show here!
