DO DELAWARE: Comedian Pierre Edwards and Colt Ford are on tap this weekend

Pierre brings funny to Wilmington

It’s special when standup great Dave Chappelle calls you a “great comedian.” Such high praise was given to veteran comedian/actor Pierre Edwards, when Chappelle appeared on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast in 2020.

Pierre is the host of his own podcast “Pierre’s Panic Room,” which has featured guest entertainers including T.I., Godfrey and Faizon Love. One of his latest guests was Killer Mike from the rap duo Run The Jewels.

One of Pierre’s most popular films is the 1997 comedy “B.A.P.S.,” alongside Halle Berry.

Pierre will tickle audiences with two shows at the House of Laffs (1206 N. Union St., Wilmington) at 8 and 10 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $25. Visit houseoflaffs.com and (302) 485-5233.

Colt Ford meets The Queen

Georgia country artist Colt Ford is no stranger to Delaware. He played the Delaware Junction Festival in Harrington nearly a decade ago. Colt Ford is a like a Swiss Army knife in entertainment because he’s a former professional golfer who also can rap and sing. He’s sold over three million albums and his last two are “We The People, Volume 1” (2019) and “We The People, Volume 2” (2020).

The country artist has worked with a variety of big names like No Doubt, Jermaine Dupree, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Toby Keith. Colt Ford will serve up a deep-fried concert at The Queen (500 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $30 (plus fees). Visit thequeenwilmington.com or (302) 400-7020.

Smyrna Book Festival

Reading is key. After all, you’re doing it right now. But it’s also good to recognize there’s a lot of cool stories that are calling your name if you only take the time to listen. You can dive into a sea of new tales penned by local authors at the Smyrna Opera House Book Festival.

Proceeds for the table with used books will benefit the Smyrna Opera House. You’ll have a chance to book it and meet some new authors at the historic Smyrna Opera House (7 W. South St., Smyrna) from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Visit smyrnaoperahouse.org or (302) 653-4236.

'Blues in My Soul'

You’ve probably heard of music giants like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton. But do you know one of the important musicians who influenced those guys? Unsung blues and jazz artist Lonnie Johnson is highlighted in the production “Blues in My Soul,” based on a true story that tells the tale of the early guitar legend who used to work at a Philadelphia hotel in 1959.

City Theater Company will celebrate the life of Johnson through “Blues in My Soul” at The Delaware Contemporary (200 S. Madison St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Tickets are $30-$40. Visit city-theater.org.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Colt Ford, Pierre Edwards, City Theater Company top weekend fun