JPC In the News

SHANG   (February 2009)

OUT OF TOWN, OUT OF SIGHT STAND UP HITS THE ‘BURG

Actor, comedian and poet Shang will grip the mic this Friday

Date published: 2/26/2009

by LAUREN ORSINI

From hard-hitting political commentary to stripper jokes, nothing is off limits for Shang. The comedian, actor and poet will take the stage this week in an adults-only show in Fredericksburg.

The Brooklyn native, who has held acting roles in programs airing on channels like HBO and BET, among others, describes his comedy style as a mix between “a young Eddie Murphy” and George Carlin.

He said he plans to continue stand-up no matter how successful he becomes in his acting career.

“I love the freedom of stand-up. It’s immediate. When you’re acting, you have to wait for everyone else to get ready—but with stand-up, you just let it flow,” he said.

Shang said he is coming to the area now to commemorate the end of Black History Month with other black performers.

The performance, called “G_Ripp the Mic,” is sponsored by Jazz Poetry Café, which is not an actual location, but an organization that matches artists with venues.

Jazz Poetry Café owner Phillip Gregory invited Shang to participate in the event after hearing about him through mutual friends. After numerous phone conversations, the two will meet in person for the first time when Gregory picks Shang up at the airport.

“When he called, we got to talking and I realized he’s the kind of guy where I say ‘Don’t call the agent, talk to me,’” said Shang.

Aside from comedy, Shang said he will perform one or two spoken word poems at the event. The former host of HBO’s 1995 “Def Comedy Jam,” Shang says his favorite poet is Saul Williams.

“I’m a poetry junkie, so when I found out Shang was a comedian and poet, I knew I had to have him come perform,” said Gregory.

Lauren Orsini: 540-374-5000x5617
lorsini@freelancestar.com