“My mama was going to name me First Baptist,” said Bruce Church, who is known by his stage name of Bruce Bruce. “But she went ahead with Bruce.”
As one would expect from a comedian, Bruce had 10 one-liners a minute. His general conversation is like an abbreviated set.
Stories about a successful stint as a male stripper who danced under the name “Chocolate Thunder” – made more hilarious because of Bruce’s robust body type – and a bit about his first wife and her boyfriend deciding to force him out of their relationship could have one on the floor.
The Atlanta native is a St. Louis favorite when it comes to comedy – and he’ll be returning to town this weekend as part of the St. Louis Comedy Festival, formerly known as Royal Comedy Tour. He’ll share the stage with Sommore Arnez J, Earthquake, Tony Rock and Gary Owen at Chaifetz arena on April 12.
Saturday will mark Bruce’s fifth time returning to town with Sommore and the gang.
“These are not features – everybody on tour is a headliner,” Bruce said. “People are getting their money’s worth and they are getting that time – and they are going to be getting their laugh on.”
It’s been nearly 25 years since Bruce took to the stage to elicit laughter.
“When I was married to my first wife, she said I would never make it,” Bruce said. “And so it was something I did to prove to her – and to myself – that I could. I never expected this, but it’s given me a great living – and great life.”
He’s had folks hollering since the urban comedy renaissance sparked by Russell Simmons’ “Def Comedy Jam” in the early 1990s.
He became a household name thanks to a stint as host of BET’s “Comic View.” He’s had appearances on film, television and music videos but has pretty much stuck to his standup roots.
“I will do a funeral if they have the money,” Bruce said. “I would do a show right in front of the casket. I ain’t playin’. And whoever’s laying there might get up and laugh.”
The one serious note he hit was the impact of comedy in the lives of African Americans.
“Black people go through so much mentally, spiritually and financially,” Bruce said. “So we have to grab onto something to laugh at to keep from crying all the time.”
He’s also serious about his love for St. Louis.
“I’m going to tell you the difference between St. Louis and other cities,” Bruce said. “When St. Louis loves you, they love you. I don’t care if it’s rain, sleet or snow – if they love you and respect you, they are going to come out and support you.”
And according to Bruce, the city keeps him on his toes.
“Oh, they’ll tell you in a heartbeat, ‘Oh, you were good the last time – but this time … oh, no, playa’,” Bruce said. “They will let you know in ‘The Lou.’”
He can’t wait to get back to town – and his anticipation is as much about the food as the funny.
“First thing I’m gonna do is go to two restaurants – I’m going to Goody Goody, and I’m going to Sweetie Pie’s,” Bruce said. “And then I want somebody to make me a Gooey Butter cake, and I want it at the show.”
The St. Louis Comedy Festival will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at The Chaifetz Arena. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or the Chaifetz box office at www.chaifetzarena.com.
