“It’s Just Time”: Kansas City Native Janell Banks Headlines Kansas City’s First Black Comedy Festival
Kansas City, Missouri is ready to roll out barrels of laughter as it prepares to host its inaugural Black Comedy Festival scheduled to take place from Thursday, April 25 to April 28. Headlining this historic event is none other than the city’s very own, multitalented, stand-up comedienne, Janell Banks.
A Jack of All Trades
Not just a master of rib-tickling humor, Banks is also known as an emcee, host, a promoter, a content creator, a prominent graphic designer, and even a wedding officiant. But her signature talent lies in her ability to bring down the house with her uncanny comic timing and relatable humor drawn from everyday life experiences.
A Talent Recognized
Banks’s comedy prowess has been recognized on several occasions, most notably when she got titled as Kansas City Magazine’s Funniest Comedian of 2020. Soon after, at the 4th annual Kansas City People’s Choice Awards, she was bestowed with the Best Comedian honor. These commendations have helped cement her position as a leading lady of comedy in the city.
But her aspirations do not stop there. Banks, a proud Kansas City native, aims to represent her city far and beyond. “It plays a huge part of who I am as a comedian. I do love traveling to other places and representing Kansas City. I get a sense of pride representing…[Kansas City] is so small but so massive,” Banks expresses with pride.
The Roots of Comic Excellence
Banks credits her upbringing, reminiscent of the Wayans family’s humor-filled environment, as a significant influence that shaped her love for comedy. A close friend and a comedian who once toured with big names like Kevin Hart and Mike Epps served as a constant source of inspiration. Tragically, she lost him at a young age, which further fueled her desire to pursue stand-up comedy.
She took a leap of faith into her comedy career during the era of comedy competitions. The thrill of winning and the validation offered by monetary prizes were enough to convince Banks to devote herself entirely to being a stand-up comedian.
First-Ever Black Comedy Festival Kansas City
Janell Banks is all set to truly shine at her upcoming performance in the much-anticipated Black Comedy Festival Kansas City. This first-of-its-kind festival promises to be a celebration of Black creativity, inviting seasoned performers and budding talents to showcase their unique comedic styles. It aims at providing a safe and joyful space for Black creators to learn, laugh, and grow.
The festival, created by Hilari Holt, while open to everyone regardless of their background, has been designed with Black creatives in mind. Holt includes improv and sketch genres as well, ensuring the festivity is all-encompassing.
Janell Banks resonates with the essence of the Black Comedy Festival, which aims at embodying inclusivity, stating, “It just felt like as many black comics that we have here and nationally touring black comics, they were not included. They were not a part of it.” She appreciates Holt’s vision in recognizing the need for a black comedy festival that highlights the immense black talent in Kansas City.
Friendly Comic with a Social Conscience
Identifying herself as a “friendly comic,” Banks’s comedy caters to everyone. She remains conscious about staying away from forms of comedy that stereotype and create divisions, and instead, she draws humor from issues related to the local government, economy, and her personal experiences. She believes in comedic expression that originates from authenticity and resonates with the audience in a heartfelt and inclusive way.
Hoping to make a significant impact with her performative skill at the festival, Banks invites all to join in, with a promise of laughter, learning, and a delightful cultural experience.
An exciting whirl of laughter, this one-of-a-kind Black Comedy Festival is set to echo the rich culture that Kansas City and the 18th and Vine Jazz District have to offer. For details and purchase of tickets for the Black Comedy Festival Kansas City, click here
