UAB’s Alys Stephens Center presents Birmingham’s Rickey Smiley

UAB’s Alys Stephens Center will present comedian Rickey Smiley at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, 2010, in the center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $62, $52, $39; $20 for student tickets. Call 205-975-2787 or go to www.AlysStephens.org.

  October 7, 2010

Rickey Smiley. Download image.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB's Alys Stephens Center will present comedian Rickey Smiley at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, 2010, in the center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $62, $52, $39; $20 for student tickets. Call 205-975-2787 or go to www.AlysStephens.org.

Birmingham native and screen star Smiley has performed his hilarious trademark characters to crowds at comedy clubs and sold-out arenas alike. Now the host of "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show," found on radio stations across the country and on local station WENN 101.9, will perform a night of down-home, Southern humor in his hometown.

His original characters include "Bernice Jenkins," "Lil' Daryl," "Rusty Dale" and "Beauford," as well as Bernice Jenkins' grandson "Rufus," a stereotypical modern-day "gangsta," according to his website, www.RickeySmiley.com. His shows also feature a band, which he accompanies, playing several instruments and singing. Smiley is a "clean" comic, creating a blend of comedy and irreverent commentary for his shows. Every morning since his radio program began in 2007, Smiley has brought to life his many characters and bits, including his prank phone calls, "Paternity Test Tuesday," "Wake Up Wednesday," a political bit, "Gary's Tea," "News You Can't Use" or "The Joke of the Day." The "Rickey Smiley Morning Show" is a blend of laughter, serious discussion of social issues, political awareness and community outreach.

Smiley is the only comedian who has hosted BET's "Comic View" for two seasons. His television and movie appearances include "The Monique Show," "Showtime at the Apollo," "Friday after Next" and others. Smiley has produced six comedy recordings, including the upcoming "Prank Calls: Volume VI," and is featured in the film sequel "Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming" this fall.

This show is sponsored by The Birmingham News, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Viva Health.

About UAB's Alys Stephens Center

The Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, part of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is one of the Southeast's premier performing arts centers, hosting the best in international, national and local performance. Home to the UAB departments of theatre and music and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, the ASC also presents its own season, bringing the world's best music, dance, theater, comedy and family entertainment to Alabama.