Comedian returning to hometown to headline comedy show
Eugenio Perez, Jr. is coming home.
And he’s bringing with him real life experiences, stories, anecdotes and laughter in the form of a comedy show. On Saturday, September 17, Perez will return to his hometown as the headliner of the Homegrown Laughs Comedy Show at the Edward C. Smith Civic Center. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online.
Eugenio Perez, Jr. aka Julio Hennessey will be performing at the Edward C. Smith Civic Center on Saturday, September 17 as the headliner of the Homegrown Laughs Comedy Tour. {Contributed photo/Flo of Pictures}
As a child growing up in Lexington, becoming a comedian was never at the forefront of Perez’s mind. He recalls being the class clown throughout his school years and being told he was hilarious. However, it wasn’t until he was in college he realized how much of an impact his antics had on people.
“My most memorable episode was when I was at Methodist College [in Fayetteville] traveling on a bus to a football game in Jacksonville, Florida. The coach had his feet out and I roasted him for five hours straight. The coaching staff laughed and cried tears all the way there. They had to discipline me for talking about his feet but they cried with laughter as they made me run laps around our hotel.”
In 2016, Perez known by his stage name Julio Hennessey (initially it was Julio Henderson but was introduced with the Hennessey moniker and he decided to stick with it), launched his comedy career, unexpectedly. He’d been performing parody rap and creating funny songs when he was invited to perform at an open mic night event.
The performance venue that evening was Upstage Charlotte, known for its spoken word and poetry events. Perez was asked by the host to feature (his first time doing so and the first comedian to be granted the opportunity at the location). After his set, he received a standing ovation.
Perez said he “loves impacting lives with his comedy.” {Contributed photo}
Despite the accolades from the audience, his fellow performers weren’t thrilled with him being in their spotlight. Perez remembers them asking the host why he was allowed to perform. As to which the host replied, “Because he’s funny!”
Since that life-changing evening, Perez has toured the country dishing out laughs and jokes. However, coming home to perform is producing emotions within the comedian that are hard to contain.
“This experience is surreal. I believe in setting goals and I have either accomplished my goals or am in the process of accomplishing those goals. Headlining at the Civic Center is definitely one of my top priorities in my career. I am astounded at the opportunity.”
So, what can people expect at the Homegrown Laughs Comedy Tour?
“They can expect an awesome lineup of talented comedians who have toured the country, bringing that raw-realness, edgy comedy and a night full of uncontrollable laughter.” The show will also feature Comedian Ray Money, Mo Yarboro and host Cuzzin Clyde. DJ Fuller will provide the soundtrack for the evening.
Citing Redd Foxx, Bernie Mac and Paul Mooney as major influencers on his career, Perez vows to “continue to rock the stage in every city across this country and wherever this passport will take me.” As he continues to prepare for his return, his excitement continues to build as the show date approaches.
“I am looking forward to a warm welcome from some old friends, family members and the community coming out to support this awesome show that I am bringing to Lexington. This show will be a catalyst to propel me on a continued journey to the precipice of greatness. I want to see a full house and sold-out arena!”
Currently, you can view Perez in two comedy specials streaming online – Call the Law on Tubi TV and Liquor House Comedy 5 on Prime Video. Liquor House Comedy 5 (Charlotte Edition) is coming soon to Tubi TV. Perez will serve as host.
