Attention all music and comedy lovers! On June 21, at 7 p.m., at the Ambiance Entertainment Venue located at 2510 Legion Road, Fayetteville, the Sandhills Jazz Society invites you to enjoy Jazz & Jokes, an evening of live jazz mixed with comedy. Founded in 2018, Sandhills Jazz Society is a community-based, 501(c) (3) nonprofit arts and educational organization on a mission to establish Fayetteville as a hub for the creation of incredible sounds.
Whether you're a seasoned musician or simply an avid fan of the genre, the Sandhills Jazz Society welcomes you with open arms. Their unwavering passion for music has driven them to promote interest in jazz across multiple generations, actively engage a new wave of enthusiasts, and produce a must-attend annual All-American City Jazz Festival.
But their vision extends far beyond just hosting incredible live performances. The society is dedicated to strengthening the local arts community by developing special projects, artistic exchanges, partnerships, educational workshops, community programs, and collaborations that further the art form. From evolving jazz styles to the latest music technologies, the Sandhills Jazz Society is committed to showcasing the full spectrum of this beloved genre.
Headlining Jazz & Jokes is a pioneer in the entertainment industry, Kris Shaw, whose journey to the stage is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From his early days entertaining clients at his grandmother's hair salon to his eventual foray into comedy, Shaw's passion for making people laugh has been a driving force throughout his life.
"When it comes to entertainment, I don't think it's something I chased but rather something that chased me," Shaw admits.
Shaw’s grandmother planted the seed, recognizing his natural comedic talent, gifting him with a joke book at five years old. He entertained clients and staff at the salon, and by the time he reached high school, his reputation as a natural-born comedian was already firmly established.
Inspired by the greats of comedy, including George Burns, Bill Cosby, Steve Martin, Bob
Newhart, and the legendary Richard Pryor, Shaw has honed his craft over the years. He captivated audiences with his unique brand of humor. It was not until a work accident left him unable to perform physical labor that he finally decided to pursue his true calling.
Seizing the opportunity, Shaw applied and secured a job at a local comedy club, where he was a doorman and quickly advanced to a cook. The club held a comedy contest, and he proved his mettle by winning the first two rounds of the "Funniest Person in Indianapolis" competition.
From that experience, he studied all the big names coming through the club. He watched how they controlled the crowd and how the crowd responded to them. He was a sponge, soaking up all he could so that someday he would fill places with his comedy acts.
“Early in my career, I had to balance my growing success with being a husband and father to five beautiful children. Two of my kids were on the road with me just weeks after they were born. When they got older, I decided to take the leap and move to Las Vegas to pursue my dreams. My comedy show has always been about everyday life and the random things we all encounter, including the joys and challenges of parenting,” Shaw said.
“My kids have always been a part of my act, as a way for me to somewhat feel connected to them during all the time I spend on the road. I always told my kids that standup comedy was a dream that kept revisiting me, a gift from God to spread laughter and healing. And I encourage them to pursue their dreams. And if it does not end up being their career, it can still be a rewarding and fulfilling path.”
Traveling the world afforded Shaw to meet the likes of John Witherspoon, Paul Mooney, Rob Schneider, and Christopher Titus. Now, he brings his infectious humor and captivating storytelling to the Sandhills Jazz Society’s Jazz and Jokes, where he will undoubtedly leave the audience in stitches.
Joining Kris Shaw on the stage are talented comedic greats Kirk McHenry, Jaye Devan; and Lathesia Everett is the emcee for the event. McHenry, from Oakland, CA, had television appearances on BET’s Comic View, One Mic Stand, and Jamie Foxx Laffapalooza. Philadelphia born Devan’s credits include The Comedy Store, Comedy Union and Laugh Factory (Los Angeles), and the Comedy Cellar (Las Vegas).
You do not want to miss this impressive lineup! For an exciting date night, or if you are ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of jazz and need a good laugh, get your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
For info and tickets, visit their website at www.SandHillsJazz.com or call 910-987-2426.

(Photo:Top- Headliner Kris Shaw is a fan favorite who tours comedy clubs, colleges and events all across the United States and Canada. He has entertained troops in Iraq, Kuwait, Japan, Korea, Bahrain, Dubai, Kyrgyzstan and Africa. Kris also appears in national television commercials and had a recurring extra role on the CBS drama Close To Home. Shaw can be heard regularly on Kevin Hart’s LOL Network on Sirius Radio. Photos courtesy of Sandhills Jazz Society.  Middle- A versatility and ability to deliver gut busting laughs to his audiences sets Kirk McHenry apart from the modern-day comic. Born and raised in Oakland, California, McHenry has acquired a wealth of knowledge from life in the inner city, to prep school in the suburbs, experiencing college life in the south and even a successful four-year stint in the Marine Corps. McHenry has had numerous television appearances on BET’s Comic View, One Mic Stand hosted by Kevin Hart, and Jamie Foxx Laffapalooza; as well as several touring engagements throughout the United States and abroad.  Bottom- Philadelphia-born comedian Jaye Devan found his funny early as the comic relief among households filled with his sister and cousins. After graduating, Devan joined the Marine Corps and got his first exposure to stand up during a talent show on base. His credits include The Comedy Store, Comedy Union and Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, LA Comedy Club and the Comedy Cellar in Las Vegas and various clubs around the country. He is the former host of his own radio show entitled Everyday Talk with Jaye Devan and current co-host of The Pool Table Talk Podcast. He also released his first recorded standup special, titled ‘Temper Yourself’ on DVD and Amazon Prime.)