If you’ve ever seen DeRay Davis live, you know the man doesn't just "do" stand-up. He basically highjacks the entire building’s energy for two hours. It's a relentless, high-speed chase of punchlines. Going into the DeRay Davis tour 2024, there was this vibe—kinda like, okay, we know he’s a veteran, we know he’s the guy from Snowfall and Barbershop, but does he still have that raw Chicago hunger?
Honestly? He’s sharper now than he was ten years ago.
The 2024 run, largely under the banner of the "Apologies In Advance Tour," felt different. It wasn't just a collection of jokes; it was a masterclass in crowd work and spontaneous combustion. Most comedians have a script they stick to like glue. DeRay? He treats his set list like a suggestion. If someone in the front row is wearing a ridiculous hat, that hat is now the co-star of the show for the next twenty minutes.
The Logistics of the DeRay Davis Tour 2024
Let’s get into the weeds of where he actually was. Throughout 2024, DeRay wasn't just hitting the massive arenas—though he did plenty of those—he was also grinding in the clubs. It’s that "working comic" mentality. He spent a massive chunk of time at the Funny Bone circuit, hitting spots like Liberty Township in Ohio, Virginia Beach, and Richmond.
In November 2024, he took over the Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit. That show was legendary. People were literally reporting stomach pains for days afterward from laughing so hard. He also did a heavy stint at Center Stage Theater in Atlanta around the same time.
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What's cool is how he balances the big "Apologies In Advance" dates with his staple MONDERAYS residency at the Hollywood Improv. If you're in LA, you basically have a standing invitation to see him work out new material every Monday night. It’s where he tests the stuff that eventually ends up in the Netflix specials.
What Actually Happens During the Set?
Expect the unexpected. Seriously.
The DeRay Davis tour 2024 highlighted his ability to pivot from "hood famous" anecdotes to sharp social commentary without breaking a sweat. He talks about his upbringing in Chicago, but he also leans heavily into the absurdity of modern dating and his life as a working actor.
- The Crowd Work: He’s a predator when it comes to the audience. He sees everything. If you check your phone, he’ll call you out. If you’re on a first date and it looks awkward, he will make it ten times more awkward for his own amusement (and ours).
- The Impersonations: His accents are top-tier. He can slip into different characters so fast it’ll give you whiplash.
- The Relatability: Despite being a wealthy celeb, he still talks like the guy you grew up with.
One thing people often get wrong is thinking DeRay is just a "roast" comic. Nah. There’s a lot of craft there. He’s meticulous about timing. Even when he’s "sporadic," it’s controlled chaos.
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Real Fan Experiences and "Grown Folks" Humor
Reviews from the late 2024 dates have been glowing, mostly. People at the Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City shows in November were raving about how authentic he felt. One fan mentioned that while they’ve seen Katt Williams and Kevin Hart, DeRay feels like "grown folks funny." It’s a specific kind of vibe—no filters, no pandering, just straight-up comedy.
There was some chatter about a few shows where he co-headlined with Rickey Smiley. Those were a bit more polarizing. Some fans felt the mix of styles was a bit off, but the consensus remained that DeRay’s solo energy saved the night when things got sluggish.
Key Stop Highlights:
- Detroit (MotorCity Casino): Sold out, high energy, 5-star reviews across the board.
- Atlanta (Center Stage): Relatable content, though the shows famously started a bit late because of the "ATL traffic" factor.
- Chicago (Arie Crown Theater): His annual "Funny & Famous Chi Town Comedy Count Down" on New Year’s Eve is basically a religious experience for comedy fans in Illinois.
Looking Ahead to 2025
If you missed the 2024 dates, don't stress too much. The momentum from the DeRay Davis tour 2024 is carrying straight into early 2025. He’s already got a packed schedule.
- January 2025: Greensboro, NC (Comedy Zone) and Jacksonville, FL.
- February 2025: Nashville (Zanies) and San Diego (Mic Drop Comedy).
- March 2025: Miami Improv and Tampa.
The tickets aren't exactly cheap—average prices hover around $102, but you can sometimes snag "cheap" seats for about $70 if you catch them early. If you’re looking at the Jacksonville or Chicago dates, be prepared to pay a premium. Some of those were trending near $150 because of the intimate venue sizes.
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Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to catch the tail end of this run or the new 2025 dates, keep these tips in mind:
- Don't sit in the first three rows unless you are okay with becoming part of the act. DeRay will talk to you.
- Check the age requirements. Most of these venues, especially the Funny Bone and Improv locations, are 21+ only. They will check IDs at the door, no exceptions.
- Arrive early. Comedy clubs usually have a two-item minimum (drinks or food). Getting there 45 minutes before showtime ensures you get a decent seat and get your orders in before the lights go down.
- Use official sites. Stick to
deraydavis.comor major platforms like Ticketmaster and Live Nation. The resale market for his Chicago New Year’s show is notorious for scams.
DeRay Davis has managed to stay relevant because he refuses to be a "polished" corporate version of himself. He’s still that loud, fast-talking guy from the South Side, and that’s exactly why people are still filling up theaters to see him.
The tour is a reminder that in an era of TikTok clips and 60-second sketches, nothing beats a veteran comic who knows how to hold a room for 90 minutes straight. Catch him while the energy is still this high.
Next Steps for You: Check the official schedule for any surprise "Pop Up" shows in Los Angeles, as DeRay frequently adds late-night sets at the Improv that aren't part of the major tour announcements. If you're looking for tickets in the Florida or Tennessee areas for the early 2025 leg, book them now, as these smaller club venues sell out much faster than the theater dates.