Urban Vibe Entertainment Presents New Year’s Eve Comedy Jam featuring Cedric The Entertainer, Sommore, Earthquake, Bill Bellamy, JJ Williamson and Damon Williams at the Fox Theatre on Thursday, December 31 at 7 p.m. Fifth Third Bank is the exclusive presenting partner of the Fox Theatre..

Over the course of a career spanning more than 30 years, actor and comedian Cedric the Entertainer has solidified his status as one of the world’s premier performers on stage, in film and on television. He hosted BET’s ComicView during the 1993-94 season and Def Comedy Jam in 1995. He is best known for co-starring alongside Steve Harvey on The Steve Harvey Show, performing as one of The Original Kings of Comedy, and portraying Eddie Walker in Barbershop. He later hosted the 12th season of the daytime version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2013-14 and starred in the TV Land comedy The Soul Man, which aired from 2012 to 2016. Cedric has also provided voice work for Ice Age, the Madagascar film series, Charlotte’s Web, and the Planes franchise. In 2019, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Most recently, he starred in and executive produced the hit CBS sitcom The Neighborhood, which ran for eight seasons from 2018 through May 2026.

Sommore reigns as the undisputed “Queen of Comedy,” earning recognition as one of America’s premier female comedians. With her signature blend of class and sass, she delivers a hilarious yet insightful take on today’s issues from a woman’s perspective. Frank, fearless, and sharply observant, Sommore tackles topics ranging from the everyday to the controversial with wit, intelligence, and style. Praised by critics, respected by peers, and embraced by a diverse fan base, she continues to sell out venues across the country and ranks among the top-grossing stand-up comedians in the United States and abroad. Oprah Winfrey famously described her as “a force to be reckoned with in the new millennium.”

Earthquake, the Washington, D.C.-born comedian, actor, and voice artist, built a loyal following through stand-up appearances on platforms including BET, HBO, Comedy Central, and Showtime. Born Nathaniel Stroman, “Quake” first gained national attention through BET’s ComicView and HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. He further cemented his reputation with a standout performance on HBO’s acclaimed One Night Stand comedy special series.

Using his experiences growing up in Newark, Bill Bellamy began performing stand-up comedy while attending Rutgers University. He quickly discovered a passion for making people laugh and honed his craft at small comedy clubs across the country before making waves at renowned venues such as The Improv, The Comic Strip, and The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. Less than two years after launching his stand-up career, Bellamy earned a spot on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, where he famously coined the phrase “Booty Call.” The now-iconic late-night rendezvous term later became the title of his first Showtime comedy special, Booty Call, which quickly became one of the network’s highest-rated specials.

Mississippi native Jeremiah “JJ” Williamson, best known as JJ From The Sipp, has been making audiences laugh for more than 30 years with his country twang, raw honesty, and unforgettable stage presence. Since launching his career in 1995, JJ has performed across the US and internationally, sharing the stage with comedy greats including Chris Tucker, D.L. Hughley and Rickey Smiley. For more than 15 years, JJ toured as an opening act for Cedric The Entertainer, performing at premier venues such as The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, the LA Improv, Miami Improv, Chicago House of Blues, Caroline’s on Broadway in New York City, and Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater. JJ’s talents extend beyond stand-up comedy. He made his feature film debut as Cousin Bodie in Johnson Family Vacation alongside Cedric, Vanessa Williams, Steve Harvey, and Bow Wow. His television credits include BET, HBO, Def Comedy Jam, ComicView, Laffapalooza, The Mo’Nique Show, and Cedric the Entertainer Presents: The Platinum Comedy Series. A winner of the Bay Area Comedy Competition in 2000, JJ currently co-hosts the nationally syndicated DeDe in the Morning Show, connecting with millions of listeners each day.

Damon Williams, the legendary comedian, actor, writer, and producer, is a Chicago native who has been a staple in the entertainment industry for more than 30 years. His journey began as a young entrepreneur, owning a Subway franchise in the early 1990s, before discovering his passion for comedy and pursuing it full-time. Since then, Williams has built an impressive career, working alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment and earning widespread recognition for his sharp wit and engaging stage presence. He has appeared on numerous television networks and comedy programs, solidifying his reputation as one of the nation’s most sought-after comedians. His success led to opportunities such as serving as an opening act on the legendary Kings of Comedy Tour and performing across the country on the Royal Comedy Tour.