Back by popular demand, actor and comedian Tommy Davidson returns Friday to Ice Event Center & Grill, 1148 NE 36th St.

Known for his roles in Bamboozled and Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Davidson is perhaps most notable for his work on the sketch comedy series In Living Color in the early ’90s.

Davidson’s last set at Ice Event Center & Grill in May 2014 lasted nearly two hours.

“He’s sharp as ever, man, incredibly talented,” said Marc Flemon, owner of Ice. “He’s a legend, especially in urban comedy, so we’re just very fortunate to have him come.”

Davidson’s long and diverse career also makes him highly recognizable. During his previous visit, Flemon said, the entertainer was bombarded by fans the moment he stepped off the plane.

“I mean, we can’t go anywhere without somebody wanting to stop and take a picture with him,” he said. “We can’t go anywhere. I’m serious.”

Friday’s event also serves to build up up-and-coming acts. Local stand-ups Mack O and V. Ilene each open for Davidson with 10-minute sets. There also will be a 30-minute open-mic session for aspiring comedians.

“If a comic is dying, you just clap very lightly, and then, as it gets worse, you clap a little bit louder to kind of let them know, ‘Hey, it’s time to wrap it up,’” Flemon said.

Ice has been open for five years. Flemon said his main goal with the venue is to offer an open-to-all place for black expression in a market where that is lacking.

“We’re really trying to promote positive entertainment and culture in the black community,” he said. “That’s so dire and missing, so we’re trying to fill that void.”

Davidson’s performance is part Ice’s reoccuring Comedy & Cocktails series. It began in May 2014 with Davidson as his first act. The series is unique because Ice is a restaurant known as much for its catfish and wings as it is a music venue or comedy club.

But that hasn’t prevented the venue from booking established national comics like Davidson, as well as Joe Torry and Luenell.

Flemon has been trying to book another set from Davidson for a while but said it was difficult to work the appearance into the comic’s busy schedule. They were finally able to secure a date, albeit on OU-Texas weekend.

Admission is $20, and reservations can be made by texting 586-8155. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Print Headline: Comedy dine-in, Tommy Davidson brings his high-energy act to the Ice Event Center & Grill.