Portland Native Stand-Up Comedian Shrista Tyree to Launch a New Hip-Hop-Influenced Comedy Showcase at Kelly’s Olympian This May

Fully produced by Shrista (born Shrista Tyree Little), Clownin’ is the exciting new live comedy series from the Portland-based comedian/rapper/host. Kicking off at 8pm on Sunday, May 22 at Kelly’s Olympian, the premiere lineup features a slew of highly seasoned, gut-busting comics: Sir Lance Edward (Helium Comedy Club’s Portland’s Funniest Person Finalist 2019), Bryan Bixby (Willamette Week’s Funniest Person, 2022), Mx. Dahlia Belle (of the NW Black Comedy Festival and the Portland Mercury), Adam Pasi (Helium Comedy Clubs Portland's Funniest Person 2019 & 2020) and Daja Monae (of the NW Black Comedy Festival), as well as the host, Shrista herself, who will open up the show with some stand-up, and is also likely to rattle off some of her crowd-pleasing, “goofy” comedic raps.

“I have rapped at every event, even comedy shows,” says Shrista about her emceeing alter ego. “I've never not rapped. And so, that's why people have always looked at me as a rapper—a rapper/host and a comedian. I step into a lot of lanes. That's probably why I really look up to and compare myself to Nick Cannon—don’t hate, he’s talented.”

The live show pulls inspiration from shows like VH1’s Wild N Out and HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, offering a party-like vibe, keeping a DJ on deck, and concluding with a performance from a locally based hip-hop artist. The first show will feature DJ and rapper, 94Prynce throughout, and close out with a song from Portland-based rapper Sour Deez.

Having curated and promoted various hip-hop shows like Bossin’ Up at Bossanova Ballroom and Juice at Kelly’s Olympian, Shrista, a Portland native, says her years spent doing stand-up comedy inspired her to create her own showcase.

“As somebody who was a forgotten about Black female or a forgotten about lesbian—whatever it was that folks didn't like about me—I just like that I finally have this platform where I'm not going to be judging people. I'm judging [comics] based on their talent; If you're funny, you can get on my show.”

Clownin’ will continually offer quality-focused and inclusive curation, in which the billed comedians actually get paid for their time.

“I don't care if you're gay. I don't care if you're trans. I don't care if you're white,” says Shrista. “I'm still going to put white people on my event lineups obviously, but I want to make sure I'm also showcasing the people left behind who don't get to have that chance.”

Branding itself as “the most blunt, ‘doin’ too much and funniest comedy show in the city,” and unlike many other showcases which tout stand-up comedy “safe spaces,” Clownin’ will provide a stage for comics to say whatever’s on their mind, controversial or not.

“I'm not trying to have this big ol’ thing like ‘You're not allowed to say this. You're not allowed to do this.’ This is comedy; let's just have fun,” explains Shrista. “You know how to respect people at the end of the day. I know all these people, and I've heard all their comedy; it's all fun”

The showcase will also require comics to do a minimum of one-to-two minutes of crowd work at the start of each comic’s set. Shrista explains that incorporating the art of crowd work will keep the show fun, and prevent it from feeling robotic.

In addition to independent, all-Black-owned radio station The Numberz (96.7fm) other event sponsors include Smack Town Restaurant, The Black Mannequin Clothing, The NorthWest Breakout Show hosted by Cool Nutz (Jam’n 107.5fm), We Out Here Magazine (WOHM), Black Pioneers, Trust No One Records (TNO) and Cassodinero.

Clownin’

Sunday, May 22, 8 pm, Kelly’s Olympian, 426 SW Washington

Tickets are $15 on presale and $20 at the door (in limited availability). No proof of vaccination or face coverings are required.

Written By Jenni Moore

Clownin’ Comedy Showcase Hosted by Shrista https://linktr.ee/clowninpdx

Get ready for the funniest, “doin’ too much” stand-up comedy shows in the city! Produced and hosted by Portland native and multi-talented entertainer, Shrista! With music provided by national DJ and rapper, 94Prynce. Clownin’ comedy showcase features the top Portland comedians every show! Performing material straight from their unconscious thoughts and probably their banned Facebook statuses. And after you laugh, get ready to turn up with a close out hip hop performance by a special guest each show!

This month on Clownin’ our lineup includes featured comics: Sir Lance Edward, Bryan Bixby, Mx. Dahlia Belle, Adam Pasi and Daja Monae with special guest hip hop performance by Sour Deez!

This event is sponsored by The Numberz (96.7fm), Smack Town Restaurant, The Black Mannequin Clothing, The NorthWest Breakout Show hosted by Cool Nutz (Jam’n 107.5fm), We Out Here Magazine (WOHM), Black Pioneers, Trust No One Records (TNO) and Cassodinero.

Shrista has spread her black girl magic across the city whether making the city laugh through jokes, tearing up stages as a rapper, or giving her unfiltered opinions as a host. Don’t miss this event, and if you’re wondering if Shrista will be performing, yes she will be!

Bring your partner, boo, or friend and come support some of the funniest comedians in the city! #clowninpdx #clownin

Come check out some amazing Portland Hip Hop talent August 16 at 1823 Mystery Bar for Cross The Street Concert Series presented by Boss City Muzik and Cross the Street.

Your Host Champagne James will be live on stage with local Hip Hop artists including Shrista with music by Dj Lady X.

Hope to see you there!

Doors open at 8pm

Show starts at 9pm

21+ w. ID

Tickets $15

Presale tickets available at ticket link provided.

It's LADIES NIGHT at Spark Nightclub in Portland, OR presented by Grindlife and Black Pioneers and Hosted by Portland's one and only Shrista!

With performances by Rufio Rebel & King Temple and your favorite DJ's spinnin all night 94Prynce & Maki Muzik come have some fun!

Free entry before 10PM **IF ON GUEST LIST**

For VIP tables, Guestlist, Bottle service reservations text 971-445-1222

Kaleafa Social Club presents a night of comedy and fun for the Puff and Pass Comedy Bash Hosted by Ikes & Jacobi King.

Come through for some laughs with Portland's very own Shrista as she and other comics come together for an unforgettable night.

Lets see if you can hang!

Event starts at 7pm

21+ event w/ID

$15 tickets @ the door

Come on down to the Moda Center on March 13 as Shrista hosts Culture Shock an Art Collective Fundraiser Event, featuring artists and businesses from around the Pacific Northwest.

Proud & Out Loud is a comedic celebration of Black queerness in the Great Northwest and beyond.

Pop the champagne!

Join us as we welcome in the New Year at The Alberta Abbey in true Portland fashion and celebrate with some of your favorite local artists.

Shrista will be hosting the video release party for Roulette Delgato’s “The Mayor” FRIDAY, DEC. 10 @ Mighty Moe’s Tanker (4825 se Hawthorne blvd) with performances by: @its_glamdoll_ @kanideis @juswild @th3trapbruja33 @_alanarich_ @chaintaylor and @_c100 $10 cover and doors open @ 9PM! Raffles, drink specials, and amazing food!

Shrista Tyree’s Viral Photobomb Comes Full Circle! Check out my write up in Willamette Week here!

The much anticipated release of Shrista’s first music video, The Lemon Pepper Freestyle remix. shot and edited by Fishermen Films

Got the honor to do a radio interview on the Numberz FM with Chanel Ali! She is a dope stand up comedian, black girl, hustler, actress, she’s appeared on Comedy Central, TruTV and MTV’s Girl Code! And she has even more in store for you! Interview to come! Pop up tonight at Curious Comedy Theater 11/13 (9:30pm) for her headline performance!

Tune in on 96.7FM or stream online

LOC IS DOPE & REBOOTGFX present A Roaring 20’s Scorpio Party! Come dress to impress and hang with Shrista and many more as we celebrate Scorpio season at Tee Tee’s birthday bash Nov. 6th 8pm - midnight
$15 cover
21 and over

Shrista is this years 1st Place winner in the Coast to Coast Live event in Portland, OR. Coast 2 Coast LIVE is the Largest Artist Showcase in the World that brings together Artists, DJs, Producers, Media and more for a professional networking event & artist showcase. The winner walks away with a huge prize package to take their career to the next level and join Coast 2 Coast in Miami for the year end Coast 2 Coast Music Conference! .

Today on ''CROSS the STREET'' Shrista and I walk Thru Ventura Park catching up on her latest travels and Projects. Special giveaway in this episode ( Pay Attention ) NOW........... CROSS THE STREET

Shrista's Linktree https://linktr.ee/shrista

In this interview with Lost Culture Media, Shrista opens up about her struggle with finding her path, how she channels her focus, and so much more!

Tune in to find out what Shrista feels every creative should be investing their time into. Amazing interview and even better energy!

Tap in now!

Bringing female hip-hop to the forefront of the Portland music scene “Ladies to the Mic” is a weekly, one hour radio show that plays all female hip-hop and R&B music by local and mainstream talent.

Tune in Aug. 25 at 8:30 PM

Listen on 99.1 FM or stream worldwide at prp.fm

Shrista drops rap verse with Cool Nutz and DJ OG One

Shrista hosts Local Rap celebrity Swiggle Mandela’s Album Release Party