Comedian, singer Rodney Carrington to perform next week

Rodney Carrington said comedy is his first love, but he got his start in the business by accident.

"I happened to be in a comedy club, and on a whim got up there and people seemed to like it," Carrington said. "So much so, that the club asked me back, and then I found out I could get paid for just talking about stuff that I found funny. I love what I do, and I get paid for doing it. How many people can say that?"

The combination stand-up comedian and country music singer-songwriter will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Carrington has garnered many accolades during his career in show business, some of which include releasing eight major-label albums, starring in his own TV show, "Rodney," which aired on ABC for two seasons, co-starring with Toby Keith in the movie "Beer for My Horses" and hosting the American Country New Year's Eve Live Show on Fox.

Carrington draws material for his act from happenings in his life.

"I talk about what I know, of my own experiences," he said. "I take the heinous part of who we are, the secret part you don't want anyone to know about, and I expose it. I find the humor in the hard-core truth of who we are as human beings."

His show is titled "Look Out -- Here Comes the Truth!"

The audience can expect some rather raucous humor, which Carrington said is not suitable for people younger than 18.

"There is lots of singing, laughing and nudity. OK, I am kidding about the nudity, but feel free to get naked if you want to," the jokester quipped.

During the act, Carrington will perform some of his country music.

"My songs are a big part of what I do," he said. "I was always interested in music from childhood. I started playing piano when I was around 14."

Though he has recorded some serious songs, Carrington said most of the tunes he performs are lighthearted.

"Mostly my songs are funny or downright silly in nature," he said. "I started out just doing stand-up, and I was just bored on the road. So, I learned some chords on a guitar, and slowly that became a part of my show."

The Longview, Texas, native said this is not his first time to appear in the Show Me State.

"I perform in Missouri every year, and it has always been one of my favorite places to play. The people are great, and I love playing Cape Girardeau," he said. "My show is completely different from the last time I was there, and I'm really looking forward to it."

"It's a lot of fun and craziness," he said. "I'm just going to make people laugh and forget about their problems for a couple of hours. Oh, and I might throw in some local gossip or something -- so watch out!"

Ticket prices range from $25 for select stadium seating; $44.75 for floor/stadium seating; and $179.75 for VIP seating in the first two rows, which includes a meet-and-greet with Carrington.

A portion of the ticket sales will go to the Rodney Carrington Foundation, a not-for-profit organization he created to provide funds to charity groups that need a helping hand.

Pertinent address:

1333 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.