Black By God & Sumthin’ Funny: A Night of Comedy and Culture in South Charleston, West Virginia

By Amanda Barber

Black By God (BBG) is sponsoring “Sumthin’ Funny,” a comedy show that will take place at Sumthin’ Good Soul Food in South Charleston, West Virginia, on Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. A second show will start at 9:30 p.m. 

The event, which will last about an hour and a half, will feature headliner Kenny Howell, host Tyrone Gaines, and guest Rich Greene.

For years, Black comedians have used their platforms to be storytellers and newstellers on topics frequently overglanced by society. From Africans enslaved who would parody their owners when they were away, to Dave Chapelle with his impromptu monologue “8:46” named in reference to the original report that former police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on George Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds (a subsequent report showed that Chauvin was on Floyd’s neck for nine and a half minutes).

“I don’t mean to get heavy, but we’ve got to say something!” says Chapelle at the start of his monologue focusing on racial issues and the deaths of Black individuals such as George Floyd, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, John Crawford III, Michael Brown, Philando Castile, and others. 

BBG’s involvement with “Sumthin’ Funny” further exemplifies how Black storytelling and Black comedy are intertwined. The February print issue of BBG will be distributed at both comedy shows. 

General tickets can be purchased online for $25 and VIP tickets are $45. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (304) 768-0968. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for the first show, and seating is limited. Doors for the second show will open at the end of the first show. Starting at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., there will be a meet and greet with free appetizers for VIP ticket holders only. 

Sumthin’ Good Soul Food is located at 4837 MacCorkle Ave. SW in South Charleston. Guests can park for free at the rear of the building, on Ford Street, or on both sides of MacCorkle Avenue. There will be event parking signs displayed outside. 

Sumthin’ Funny is a 21+ event. Cash and credit/debit cards will be accepted for food and drink payments.