Comedy All-Stars Earthquake, Luenell, others to perform in El Paso in honor of troops

Sept. 14--What better way to unite a community than through a night of laughs.

That's the idea behind the Comedy All-Stars Stand Up For Our Troops tour. The tour, which makes its way to the Abraham Chavez Theatre on Friday, was created by Atlanta-based promoter Franklin McGruder.

The evening will feature headlining standup comic Earthquake, as well as comedian and actress Luenell, comedian and rapper Chingo Bling and comedian Flo Hernandez. It will be hosted by Army veteran DJ Black, with music by El Paso radio and club DJ Marc X.

"The tour started in 2010, doing standup for our troops," on U.S. military bases, McGruder said. "It started in Killeen, Texas, and we've been doing it ever since. I was raised in Augusta, Ga., which supports Fort Gordon. I noticed that after 9/11 happened, bases started closing themselves off from the community."

McGruder said the tour aims to create a bond between military, their families and the community.

He said that this is his first event in El Paso, and he hopes to bring more comedy and concert events that cater to the Fort Bliss community in the near future.

Earthquake

The popular standup comic and actor Nathaniel Troman, better known as Earthquake, is no stranger to military life. He was a member of the U.S. Air Force for nine years, according to his Wikipedia page, and sometimes touches on his past military life in his comedy.

"The joke is, 'I came in as an E-1 (the military's lowest enlisted rank) and left as an E-1'," Earthquake said in a phone interview from Houston, where he owns a home. "It's not true, but it's funny that way."

Earthquake said that his military career helped make him the person and comedian he is today.

"It let me know the world is bigger," Earthquake, who was born in Washington, D.C., said. "It's a huge place, but we all do the same things, we just do them in a different way. It allowed me to expand my comedy."

He said he recommends the military to all young people.

"You get to see the world for free, (you get) health insurance, you find a degree and get to know different people and see how they live," he said. "You get discipline and a check at the same time."

Earthquake started to gain popularity in the comedy world in the 1990s thanks to many TV appearances, including memorable spots on HBO's popular "Def Comedy Jam," a recurring role on "Everybody Hates Chris" and in the movie, "Clerks II."

Earthquake said he got his nickname because, like the natural disaster, his performances are unpredictable.

"I feel it; it's like a gospel preacher in a sermon," Earthquake said. "You let the word take you where you want to go. Whatever is on my mind, I'm going to elaborate on it."

Hurricane Harvey was one natural disaster that hit close to home for Earthquake and his friends. His Houston home was largely undamaged, and he encouraged friends to evacuate before the storm.

Despite the enormity of the situation, Earthquake said it's almost never too soon to turn tragedy into comedy.

"Comedy comes from pain," Earthquake said. "I'm a staunch advocate of that. I give it 48 to 72 hours," then nothing is out of bounds for the comedian.

Earthquake said he's looking forward to returning to El Paso and performing for Fort Bliss soldiers and the rest of the community -- as well as an unexpected bite of seafood.

"I've had some of the best, if not best ever, sea bass in El Paso," Earthquake said.

After being reminded that the city is surrounded by desert, Earthquake said: "That's what's so shocking. I'm sitting there going, 'Where did you get this from, señor?'"

Luenell

Hailing from Oakland, Calif., actress and comedian Luenell is not only best known for her quick, off-color jokes and observations, but her roles in films. One of her most memorable came when she played a hooker-with-a-heart-of-gold in the movie "Borat."

Still, Luenell said she gets recognized for other things every time she tries to go to the grocery store.

"I can hardly go anywhere without being recognized," Luenell said in a phone interview from her home in Los Angeles. "Even with a hoodie on, my nails and voice have become recognizable, as well."

Luenell said that she owes the diverse characters she's played on TV and film to her first love -- standup comedy.

"I'm not pigeon-holed," Luenell said. "I did Season 2 of "Lopez" (George Lopez's cable sitcom), I've been on the road with 'Fluff' (Gabriel Iglesias), I dated a Mexican guy for three years, but I got over that."

She recently wrapped up two new films with two first-time directors, Jamie Foxx and Bradley Cooper.

"I've known Jamie for 20 years," Luenell said. "He was very easy (to work with). Bradley's movie is (a remake of) 'A Star is Born.' That is a huge film. Bradley is very patient and cool. He wanted me in the movie. We worked together before on a movie called 'All About Steve.'" the 2009 comedy with Sandra Bullock.

While Luenell hasn't been shy about voicing her disdain for President Donald Trump and his administration, she said she has always performed on military bases for troops and will continue to do so.

"Regardless of who is in the White House, or what is going on politically, I have to give back to the people who do so much for us," Luenell said.

"It's not easy to leave your family for months and months and years at a time," she said. "I grew up watching USO shows with Bob Hope and they are always so grateful ... It's the best audience."

Dave Acosta may be reached at 546-6138; dacosta@elpasotimes.com; @Chuy_Vuitton on Twitter.

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