by Morgan Cowper
Former Subway owner turned comedic standout talent Damon Williams will be performing at the 5th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest. Born and raised in Chicago, Williams became part of the Def Jam Comedy Scene during the ‘90s. Now, Damon has many breakout rolls and will be presenting here on Martha’s Vineyard. Williams talks shop with This Week on MV about some of his personal experiences, and The Martha’s Vineyards Comedy Fest.
TW: At what point [in your life] did you know comedy was for you?
DW: I owned a subway franchise in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. I decided to sell the franchise out in 1992, and peruse comedy. I have always been a fan of Stand up comedy and have watched stand up for many years. Than in the ‘90s Def Jam comedy came around, opening up a whole new urban comedy scene. I started performing at All Jokes Aside- Phunny Business in 1992; it was like a Second City [Comedy Club] for us. That’s the history of me.
TW: How has life touring on the road been for you?
DW: Touring has really been about connecting with the fan base; recently I have been doing this bit called Seriously Ignorant News. Which is a comedic news bit on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. I would say the most silly thing[s] with the most serious voice, I have had a ball with it.
TW: What has been some of your favorite places you have toured/ done shows?
DW: Funny First Sunday’s at the ComedySportz in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the laughter is just so thunderous. You can tell that the audience appreciates and loves stand-up comedy.
TW; Any cool experiences you have had as a stand up comedian?
DW: I once did a comedy weekend documentary, filmed like a reality T.V. Show during a trip to Belize. We swam with dolphins, stingrays, and had four straight days of hilariousness. Unfortunately the projects haven’t seen the light of day, the producer tragically passed away in a shooting. The project has been delayed due to legal issues with the estate.
TW: Who has been some of the influences in your comedy?
DW: There are so many comedians, so many greats, from Don Rinkle,[to] Bob Hope, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, and Bernie Mac. Bernie Mac actually gave me the nudge to move forward in comedy. Before he passed he actually had contacted me because he had seen the progression in my comedy. He wanted me to host. Bernie Mac reached people on a common human level. He was true to his TV character and he was an even nicer person to know.
TW: How did you hear about Comedy Fest here on the Vineyard?
DW: Steven Capers, who used to work at comedy central, is a good friend of co-worker and mine. During the summer he comes to the Vineyard with his family, and saw a lack of standup comedy on the Vineyard.
TW: What made you decide to join up with Comedy Fest?
DW: The lack of comedy on the Vineyard, and [I] might as well make the island more lively. To showcase my comedy with a high funny meter and to be able to share the gift with those on vacation.
TW: What is going to be the first thing you do on the Vineyard?
DW: My fiancé loves Martha’s Vineyard, the first thing we are going to do is stand in line at Back Door Donuts. Get some Lobster Rolls. Go to the beach, go get some donuts, and lobster rolls. To me a perfect day is a day at the beach.
TW: What do you like most about the Vineyard?
DW: The thing about the Vineyard [that] is so refreshing to my fiancé and I, is the innocence and the freedom of the Island. It’s like going to the past and visiting our childhood. It’s fantastic to see the harmony on the island. What a bubble to live in.
