You’ll never convince Terrell "Bama" Matthews that Father’s Day even holds a tiny match, much less a full-fledged candle, to Mother’s Day in popularity.
"On Mothers Day, restaurants will run all their big discounts and specials on things like steak dinners," Matthews said. "On Fathers Day, it’s more like ‘Get half off on your appetizer.’"
For those with a hearty appetite for humor, the Columbus resident will host "Bama’s Juneteenth Father’s Day Celebration" of comedy at 8 p.m. Saturday at American Legion Post No. 24 in Columbus.
The last such 21-and-older event he coordinated several months ago at the post quickly sold out its 85 seats; and he expects that this one will do the same. The only tickets remaining at this point are those to purchase at the door for $15.
"I think everyone was happy (with the last show)," Matthews said. "We thought that was a pretty good turnout. And the age range was crazy."
He realizes Saturday is Juneteenth, marking the official end of slavery when the state of Texas released its slaves, but he figures more attendees will more immediately relate to the following day of Father’s Day.
"I expect that it will be a topic for a few of the comics, even if they don’t focus on it a long time," Matthews said.
Indianapolis stand-up performer Dwayne Cobb is headlining the five-person slate of jokesters mostly based in Indianapolis and Louisville, Kentucky.
"My purpose of doing comedy is to make people laugh and feel good for the little time we have their attention," Cobb once said.
Chris Cognac is from Louisville while Aisha Brown, Jetta V, and Sity are all based in Indianapolis.
Matthews, who earned his nickname as a native of Alabama, has himself performed at clubs from Missouri to Texas. Before that, he served as a bouncer at the now-defunct Caddy’s Pub locally.
"I was just trying to find my own way," Matthews said. "I think I was always funny, but I had to learn how to formulate a joke."
He’s dedicating the show to his biological father and his stepfather, with love for both.
"I was raised by two men with two totally different views of life," he said.
He sees the shows he organizes as a chance for people to "turn the negatives (of the times) into a positive," as he puts it.
"We need to find a way to laugh at some of the things going on — to put a twist on them," Matthews said. "When you can take something tough that you’ve been through, and then turn around later and find a way to laugh about it, that’s something right there.
"Take the COVID thing. Obviously, it’s a serious situation."
One other element of it has been heavier, so to speak. And therein can be good-natured laughter.
"You can’t tell me that you don’t know at least one person who gained at least 20 pounds during staying at home," Matthews said. "You know what I’m saying? And there were an awful lot of babies born after it."
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What: "Bama’s Juneteenth Father’s Day Celebration" of comedy with five acts.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday.
Where: American Legion Post No. 24 at 2515 25th St. in Columbus.
Tickets: Those remaining are $15 at the door.
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