Citizens and City: Let’s Fill the Seats at the Robinson Grand!
Recently, I attended a comedy show at the Robinson Grand featuring the nationally known comedian, John Reep. What struck me wasn’t the act itself—he’s a top-tier performer—but the glaring number of empty seats in a venue that should be buzzing with energy and laughter. John Reep is a seasoned stand-up comedian with over a decade of experience performing to sold-out audiences nationwide. He was the winner of the popular TV show Last Comic Standing, also well known as the “Hemi Guy from Hickory.” Known for his sharp wit and relatable, observational humor, he has earned national recognition through appearances on television comedy programs and major comedy festivals, as well as headlining shows at renowned comedy clubs. His clever commentary and down-to-earth storytelling have made him a standout act, captivating diverse audiences and establishing him as one of the leading voices in contemporary comedy.
It’s a wake-up call for Clarksburg that we can’t fill our beautiful venue for a show like this. Our city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit deserve better, and it’s up to all of us to ensure that our local events are supported.
This isn’t just about one show or one comedian, this is a problem I have seen at several shows I have attended. Empty seats reflect a deeper disconnect between our community and our cultural venues. When a performance by an act as renowned as John Reep goes largely unattended, it signals that both city leaders (who run this theater) and citizens need to step up their game. Local government should invest in outreach, advertising, better marketing, and incentives to make attending shows easier and more appealing, while we, the residents, must actively choose to support our local arts and entertainment. Whatever we are doing we need to do more.
I have tickets to the upcoming Bill Bellamy show and I am worried about the same issues happening again…..
Bill Bellamy is a veteran stand-up comedian, actor, and television personality who has been entertaining audiences for decades. Rising to fame through his groundbreaking performances on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, he is credited with coining the phrase “booty call,” which became a cultural staple. Bellamy went on to star in hit films such as How to Be a Player, Love Jones, and Any Given Sunday, while also becoming a regular presence on MTV, hosting MTV Jams and MTV Beach House. His charm, quick wit, and storytelling ability have made him a staple in the comedy world, with a career that spans stand-up specials, movies, and television.
With Bellamy’s impressive resume, I fully expect a night of top-tier comedy, yet I can’t shake the concern that his upcoming show at the Robinson Grand will face the same turnout issues that plagued John Reep’s performance. It’s baffling that a comedian of his stature, someone who has been a household name for decades, could walk out to anything less than a packed house. This speaks to a larger issue—not just about the lack of awareness but about the need for more engagement from both the city and its residents. A night of great comedy is right in our backyard, and if people don’t start showing up, we risk losing these opportunities altogether. What do you have better to do in Clarksburg that night!?!?! Better stated, what do you have better to do with 100 miles of Clarksburg that night!?!?!
Imagine a Robinson Grand filled with laughter and energy—a place where every seat tells a story of community support. That vision is within reach if we all commit to bridging the gap between performers and patrons. Let’s work together to ensure that our local stages are never empty again, if we give these national acts the reception they deserve our little town will become known and be a required stop when artists of all types are passing through the area. That would be exciting.
GET TICKETS TO SEE BILL! https://tickets.therobinsongrand.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=278
— Gary Keith
