Whether he’s sending line shots into the sideline as Volleyball Coach at James River High School, Micah White’s a busy brother. With one DVD under his belt, he’ll film his second, “Who Am I” at the Landmark Theatre in September. His humor is often wickedly adult, and delivers comic punch while making us laugh at our shared trials, triumphs, and really bad gas.
UVW – You’re a high school volleyball coach by day. How are the two jobs different?
Actually, they are pretty much the same. The biggest thing is, I can say just about anything on stage and get away with it. However, with my high school team, there are things I would never think about saying!
Also, with comedy I am the only one performing. With volleyball, I’m teaching my team how to perform.
What do you like to do when you get time off?
Sit at home, kick it with my boxer Boomer, and play poker. Other than that, absolutely nothing!
In your stand-up, you talk about relationships. Are you seeing anybody?
Right now I’m not. It’s tough being an entertainer and finding someone that’s all about you and not your career. I date, but as soon as they start talking about my career more than me, I know this will be our last date.
You have a DVD out, “Keeping It Real.” What was your favorite thing about making it?
I enjoyed everything about it! But the fact that the day I taped it the audience was 50% black and white was definitely the highlight of the evening. I didn’t know white people liked me so much!
What was the hardest part?
No one knows this, so don’t say anything. I had a horrible case of gas that night. So the hardest thing was making sure I didn’t empty the front row!
Do you think with the elections that it’s a good year for news satire?
Absolutely! A black man, a white woman, and an old fart… Couldn’t be a better year for it!
How do you prepare for a show?
I pray!!!
Where do you get material?
Everyday life. There is just about a joke in everything you do or see.
What was growing up in Alabama like?
I loved it! I was raised by my grandmother in the hood. We were poor when it came to finances, but rich when it came to love! I can remember getting Christmas gifts with other people names already on it.
Hell, I actually remember getting gifts that I was just playing with a month before at my cousin’s house.
Do you like Richmond? What do you like to do here? Where do you like to go?
Richmond is cool. There really isn’t a whole lot to do here when you’re in your 30’s and single except go to a bar or to a periodic show that comes to town. I like to go to Tropical Soul, Lucky Buddah’s, Paradise Lounge and of course, the Funny Bone.
When you see yourself in Urban Views Weekly, can we expect you to get a giant ego?
Nah. Honestly, I probably pray more about controlling my ego than I do anything else when it comes to my career. I personally think that entertainers lose themselves in their careers a lot, and forget who they really are. If I couldn’t do comedy anymore, I would still have a great life!
Where can I get your DVD “Keepin’ It Real”?
Right now you can get them after my shows and at the Richmond Funny Bone. Plan 9 and BK Music might have a few copies left.
I will be taping a new DVD in September at the Landmark Theater titled “Who Am I,” so that’s pretty much been my focus right now.
What’s your favorite beverage?
Starbuck’s special…Venti coffee Frappuccino – Coffee to the first line, strawberries to the second, and six pumps of classic syrup. Good stuff! You should try it.
Mariah or Mary J?
Both! For different reasons.
Landmark or Mosque?
Landmark
When you break up with a woman, do you text her or tell her?
Neither. I piss her off and let her break up with me!
What’s next for you in your career? In life?
Career: There is a very good chance that I will be taping the next season of HBO’s Def Comedy Jam.
Life: Getting custody of my 7 year old daughter, who I love to death!
Want to go?
Bam-Bamm appears June 10 – 15, 17 and 18 at the Richmond Funny Bone, 11800 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA, (804) 521-8900, www.richmondfunnybone.com
Visit www.bam-bamm.com