Today we’d like to introduce you to Damon Sumner.
Damon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started from a question. One day, fellow comedian David Perdue, and I were joking around after church and someone asked us, “man, have y’all ever thought about standup?” To be honest, I never had. I didn’t grow up like many comics with my dad playing Richard Pryor records or staying up late to watch great comedians do their first, late-night sets. I have always loved to make people laugh, to bring joy and smiles to others. That’s been the passion from the beginning for me. So, when I was asked this question, I was puzzled on how this could even be a thing. Nonetheless, David and I signed up for an open mic at the Laughing Skull Lounge. Friends and family came out. It was great! And the rest is history. Now, almost a decade later, I am loving life and dream chasing. I know I would not be where I am if it was not for the tireless support and love from my amazing wife, KaToya. Her selflessness, sacrifice and continual support has been one of my biggest motivations. Aside from that, I really have been blessed to meet great folks to run this adventure with, which has made everything that much more sweeter.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been smooth? HaHa!! Not at all. I think one of the biggest struggles I had, and most comics have, is that we truly doesn’t understand everything it will take to fully pursue this craft. The endless open mics, the lack of sleep, relationships become stale, losing money on road gigs, battling jealousy of your friends’ success and so much more. Not to mention, all of the TERRIBLE shows you do. And did I mention the BOMBING that comes with becoming a great comedian? But, with all of these struggles, you will see who really wants it. Who is willing to go through it all to become one of the best comedians ever. It’s not for everyone.
Please tell us about Damon Sumner Comedy.
I have been producing shows in Atlanta for years, even in Shanghai, China. I am my own business I suppose and I focus on first and foremost being the greatest comedian ever. After that, I try to produce the best comedy show someone has ever been to in their lives. I aim to find any venue that is willing to give comedy a shot and then kill it. I love putting together diverse lineups, a group of comics that wouldn’t normally perform on the same show and showcase how comedy can bring ALL of us together. I think that my shows are set apart just on the fact that I am confident that everyone who comes out will have a great time and will feel like at least one comedian resembled them in some shape, form or fashion.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite memories from my childhood are the Tea Parties, my brothers and I would have. The Tea Parties would be us basically bringing Lil Debbie snacks, Capri Suns into our bunk beds, with our mom not knowing, and then roasting(making fun of) ANY and EVERYONE we could think of. We had one rule: ANYONE could get it. Those were some of the best laughs in my life. Just drinking and eating sugar at 11 pm, making fun of people under Power Ranger comforters, with people you love. What is better than that?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.damonsumner.com
- Phone: 2142506604
- Email: damonasumner@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonjr2/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damonjr
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/damonjr
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy2KUvaohll8RQ8gRV9XyeQ
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
