The Clark State Performing Arts Center will host a second Chalk de Peace Night of Comedy in the Turner Studio Theater at 8 p.m., Saturday, November 20.
Featured comedians include: Keith Bender, Deandre Stringer, Kris “Nef” Johnson and Jodi McDermitt.
From classroom cutup to comedy club stages, or his numerous USO Tours entertaining The Armed Forces of which he, himself, proudly served, Chicago native and Army Veteran, Keith Bender has transitioned from the frontlines to punchlines with his quick-witted and insightful comedic rants and has become one of the most sought-after comedians today.
Jodi McDermitt is a comic from Lima, Ohio and stars in the unscripted reality show that is her life. She’s performed in multiple venues around the area and Indiana including the Devil Wind Brewing Co. in Xenia, Thirty One West in Newark; Groves Tavern in Franklin; The Barrel in Springboro; Wiley's in Dayton and the Bella Vino in Bellefontaine. Three Rivers Distillery, the Ft Wayne Comedy Club, and the Mambo Room in Ft Wayne, IN. She is the wife of 1, mother of 2, and has also appeared in Playboy Magazine...when she was paid for a joke to keep her clothes on.
DeAndre Stringer is an up and coming 24-year-old comic from Dayton, Ohio. She started comedy at the age of two and has been performing ever since. She has hosted and opened for many comedians including Leonard Outzs, Hank Denson, and most recently for the “We Ain’t Done Wildn Yet” with Lil JJ and Mope Williams from Wild N’ Out. She’s a rising star in the comedy game looking to make you laugh.
Kris “Nef” Johnson is a comedian with a biting wit, skill for wordplay and an occasional deadpan delivery. He hails from Columbus, Ohio with ties to Chicago.
As a host, standup, and writer, Johnson shares his thoughts on hot topics in his somewhat blue, anecdotal comedic style gaining much of his material through his travels. He’s performed at the Funny Bone, Skully’s Music-Diner, and numerous other venues.
As the founder of Cap City Comics, Johnson created a launching pad for new and returning local comedians in the Columbus area.
Chalk de Peace Comedy shows are best explained by experience. Attendees have shared that the Chalk De Peace comedy shows “are epic and always enjoyed.” These comedy shows are guaranteed to have you laughing.
Though not a comedian herself, Tisa Braddy, owner and producer of Chalk de Peace, has a love for the craft.
“(I am) a community liaison and motivational speaker dedicated to building community, while being aligned to the mission of those partners and staying committed to ‘making a mark on the world in a peaceful manner,’” said Braddy. “As a result of COVID, (I) noticed the adverse effect of the shutdown and the isolation it caused. This opportunity is Clark State Performing Arts Center’s way of connecting with community through comedy.”
Tickets for the Chalk de Peace comedy show are $27.05 and can be purchased through ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 7 p.m.
The Clark State PAC is located at 300 South Fountain Avenue in Springfield. As of September 1, 2021, all patrons, staff and volunteers are required to wear masks at all times, regardless of vaccination status in all areas of the PAC venue.