JB Smoove is more than just a comedian; he’s a storyteller with roots that run deep. When he touches down in Detroit on Sunday, September 22, at Sound Board, it’s not just another stop on a tour. For JB, Detroit is a city that has always opened its arms, embraced him, and made him feel at home. It’s why he’s excited to get back, reconnect with the city, and be welcomed by the Detroit comedic scene and his good friends Detroit’s own, Foolish and Coco. “There’s just something about Detroit,” he says, reflecting on the spirit of the people and the city that always shows up strong for him. JB is just as excited to head over to Floods Bar and Grille, his go-to spot whenever he’s in town.
Born in Plymouth, North Carolina, and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, JB Smoove is known for his comedic brilliance and iconic role as Leon Black on HBO/MAX’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, which just concluded its twelfth and final season. But his connection to Detroit runs deep, it’s about community. Detroit, with its resilience and unshakable spirit, has always reflected a kind of kinship that JB finds familiar. He’s spent years bringing joy to the world, but Detroit is where he feels the love return in a special way.
For JB, it’s more than a gig. This city is part of his journey, much like his beloved Mount Vernon. He’s shared stages and laughs with people from all walks of life, but Detroit stands out because it mirrors the kind of grit and tenacity that’s been essential in his own life and career. Coming from humble beginnings, JB carved out his place in comedy, working his way up from writing on Saturday Night Live to performing in iconic TV shows and films. And it’s this sense of climbing, of constantly pushing forward, that makes his connection to Detroit feel so real.
Detroit knows a thing or two about resilience. Like JB, the city has been through its own battles and emerged stronger. Whether it’s through the automotive industry, music, or culture, Detroiters show up time and time again, not just for themselves but for each other. JB’s upcoming performance is a chance for the city to take a break from the hustle and find joy in laughter. Detroiters, with all their heart and hustle, appreciate someone who isn’t just performing for the check but is genuinely connected to their experience.
As a community, we understand the importance of having someone who truly gets it. JB is that person. His ability to relate, to make people laugh by tapping into real-life situations, resonates deeply with a city like Detroit. He’s been through the ups and downs, just like us. His career has spanned decades, with roles in Everybody Hates Chris, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and Pootie Tang, and he’s brought the same hustle and determination to each one. Whether it’s his physical comedy, his unforgettable voice work, or his stand-up specials like How I Dooz It, JB has always shown up authentically—and Detroit has always recognized that.
In a way, JB’s return to Detroit feels like a full-circle moment. As he takes the stage at Sound Board, it’s about celebrating a shared resilience, a shared connection. Detroit’s always been a city that stands by its own, and JB is a reflection of that spirit. He brings joy, he brings laughter, but most of all, he brings a piece of himself, ready to give the city a night to remember.
So when JB Smoove says he’s excited to come back to Detroit, it’s not just about the performance. It’s about coming home. Because in this city, we don’t just watch—we show up. We celebrate those who are unapologetically themselves. JB, with all his talent and heart, is one of those people. And on September 22, Detroit will be ready to welcome him back, as only Detroit can.
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