What is there left to say about Carlos Mencia? His name gets pulled from the sludge of our collective memories to be greeted with either derision or adoration – and almost always a little sense of “Oh yeah, what happened to that guy?”
He was the ringleader behind Comedy Central’s “Mind of Mencia” – a Latino version of much-loved sketch comedy show “Chappelle’s Show” that rose from the ashes after Dave Chappelle flipped out and refused to continue production. Mencia stepped up with a similar (if somewhat less urgent) voice of social commentary and criticism of the racial divide that continues to exist in the world. “Mind of Mencia” was undoubtedly funny, and the inherent comparisons to “Chappelle’s Show” are probably unfair. In the heyday of his show, Carlos Mencia was propelled to the top of the list and one of the most recognizable voices in comedy for a few years.
Today he’s still in comedy. Born 17th of 18 children, giving up is not in Mencia’s nature, which his new physique irrefutably confirms. He has continued to put out specials and work in film and television. Mencia, who is currently in development with a new show on network t.v. for next season, has returned to his roots at the clubs to work out material for a new special airing early next year. As an up-and-coming comedian, Mencia spent a lot of time in Kentucky, performing in the various clubs around the state from Louisville to Bowling Green to Lexington to Covington. Which is why he is giving us the rare opportunity to see a comedian of his stature in a small intimate club one more time.
Carlos Mencia will be headlining The Laughing Derby all weekend August 20 – 22. Tickets are still available for $25. Times vary, but there will be early and late shows Friday and Saturday. Local comedy genius Dave Bizanis will be opening the shows.
Photo provided by Carlos Mencia.
