Special Feature
Get ready to laugh! Agape Nation is hosting the Jonnie W. Comedy Show and Silent Auction on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at The Venue at Coosa Landing in Gadsden, Ala.
Nashville-based comedian Jonnie W.’s full name is Jonnie Wethington. He laughingly shares, “I shortened it when I started comedy to make it easier for books and hosts to remember since it’s been mispronounced my whole life.” Jonnie W.’s start in comedy officially began in 2008 but the seeds were planted a few years prior. “When I moved to middle Tenn. in 2006, I took a job at a church, cleaning it and maintaining the building. I was also pursuing speaking ministry, and soon enough they put me over the college-aged group there. We would meet at my house every Tuesday night,” Jonnie W. shares. One weekend the church hosted a student retreat for schools in Tenn. “…I was asked to get up and greet everyone. I had the crazy idea to make jokes about the different schools represented, and my impromptu ‘roast’ was a hit. I was totally hooked on the laughter after that, and some of those schools started inviting me to their campuses for outreaches and comedy events.” In 2012, Jonnie W. made comedy his full-time job.
Jonnie W. describes his comedy as “a little of everything. I have sections of the show that are observational comedy, some funny stories about family, and then I also do some musical comedy and even a run of one-liners.” His faith in God impacts his comedy shows. “God has really sustained me in my life and career, and it’s an honor to use my gift, silly as it is, to bring laughter to families. Nothing connects us quite like a shared laugh. I really think it’s a holy thing,” Jonnie W. says, adding that he believes there is not enough clean entertainment out there, so he works to provide that. “I do shows in comedy clubs, theaters, and all kinds of unique venues, but my work with churches and faith-based organizations is still among my favorites.”
Agape Nation, based in Etowah County, Ala., is a non-profit that “is being established to provide daily supervised educational, recreational, therapeutic, and community day services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in an effort to promote continued learning, independence, self-worth, and community involvement.” By attending this event, you will directly help the establishment of this program. General seating tickets are $40, and the event is casual attire. Jonnie W. says, “My show is fast-paced and fun. There’s something for everyone. Comedy is so much more fun live and in person. I would say bring 10 friends and come on out!” Learn more at www.agapenation.org or call 256-485-3225.
-Melissa Armstrong
