STAND UP FOR FAMILY CHICAGO SCREENING

Stand Up for Family a comedy special that was conceptualized by American Family Insurance hosted its premiere party here in Chicago. The event was held at the Vertigo rooftop lounge of the Dana Hotel and it was well executed. The purpose of this project, which is in it's second year, is to "present an outlet for clean entertainment the whole family can watch and enjoy" said Michelle Huff whose Huff Ent was in charge of public relations for the project. Bill Bellamy of Last Comic Standing will host the comedy special which features comedians Rodney Perry, Donnell Rawlings, Tony Roberts, and Mark Viera.

 Guests in attendance included: Adrienne Samuel-Gibbs of Ebony Magazine, Bill Bellamy, Darnell Rawlins,Raijean Stroud, Tony Roberts, Rodney Perry, Lil Rel, Chris Crawford and Emilio Ayala of Vital, WEEN co-founder Valeisha Butterfield, Mitzi Miller of Jet Magazine, Art Sims, Dwayne Maddox Regional Media Mgr. for American Family Insurance, Niena Drake, Kiratiana Freelon, Dr. Renee Matthews, Errol Dunlap, Anika Jackson, Jeffrey Beckham, Michael Kolawole,
 Royale Watkins who MC'd the nights' festivities.

DJ Sadie Woods got the crowd warmed up and DJ Commish wrapped up the night.
Sandi Robinson and Matt McCahill of Dana Hotel were also instrumental in making it a successful night!

 

Stand Up For Family launches nationwide on Friday Sept. 30 please make sure to check it out,

 your stomach will be in stitches!

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DJ Niena Drake and Kiratiana Freelon

DJ Sadie Woods

During a brief Q&A with the comedians, they revealed what their best places to eat in Chicago, what motivates them and also hinted at upcoming projects. Bill Bellamy loves to eat at Carmines, Gibson's Harolds and Rockit and for nightlife he enjoys hanging out at Underground. When asked what he loves best about the city Mr. Bellamy "the vibe of teh city of real people doing real things."  He has two projects coming out one called Ladies Night which should debut New Years Eve and Crazy Sexy Dirty. Tony Robbins who hails from Detroit, MI is no stranger to Chicago and he loves  to eat at Lawrys and Fogo De Chao. The two key people that have influenced him to give back are his evangelist Elaine Wright and his aunt Pat Britt. When his schedule permits he helps raise funds for philanthropic causes and most recently perfoemd in Haiti to raise money to assist boys and girls at an orphanage. Mark Viera hails from Bronx, NY and like the othe comedians has been to Chicago numerous times. He enjoys Gino's East and Navy Pier but what he likes most if finding out of the way delicious  ethnic food especially aroudn the Humboldt Park area. He participated in recovery month in Spetember by performing at rehab facilities and he gives back because "the talent si given to me." Rodney "Icecold" Perry who was born and raised in Chicago, appreciates what his talent has been able to afford him and his family but he does not like to get comfortable because "comfort is the enemy of success." Mr. Perry said that sometimes you have to leave home to realize your dream and no matter how long he is away from Chicago, he still feels connected to the city. Mr. Perry along with his wife are working on a non profit called Got Parents to help provide mentors for children of dual and single parent households.