By Alexzenia DavisTone-X has been tickling Charlotte’s funny bone for quite some time. But on Monday, August 3, it was the comedian’s turn to laugh as the spotlight turned on him in a very special way.
Anthony Belser, a radio personality on Charlotte’s Power 98 WPEG and host of Tuesday night’s Tone-X & Friends Comedy Show, has never shied away from his opportunity to shine. His resume boasts of spots on Russell Simmons “Def Comedy Jam”, BET’s Comic View, and a feature on Diddy’s “The Bad Boys of Comedy”. He is an announcer for the Charlotte Bobcats and recently embarked on a three state tour with Mo’Nique; branding his name on a more wide scale level.
So naturally, it was time to roast him.
The surprise event, organized by Y Square Management and Swagger TV, took place at Apostrophe Lounge—an intimate spot located on the south side of Charlotte. On this particular night, the normally upscale venue was even more star studded as some of the city’s finest walked the red carpet in honor of “Uncle Tone”.
Before Tone’s arrival, guests were treated to performances by Y Square Management artists Quills and Ida Divine. DJ Skills manned the booth, keeping everyone’s energy on high.
The limo arrived soon after toting a well groomed Tone-X, and was escorted by managers—wife, Yolanda Belser and business partner Kimberly Edmonds. Photographers swarmed to take pictures of the guest of honor and Power 98’s Janine Davis pulled him aside for an interview where he admitted he had no idea what was in store for him.
As the doors opened, Jay-Z’s Encore blared through the sound system and at least 150 guests cheered him on as he took his seat center stage. Bluz, host of the event, kicked off the roasting session. Other roasters included fellow Power 98 personalities Janine “JD” Davis and No Limit Larry, local comedian, Neecie, and Tone X & Friends co-host, Chris “Funnyman” Robinson. Stacey Blackman of Q92 took to the DJ booth later in the evening.
Also in attendance were media representatives from several publications including Metro Proponent News, Creative Loafing, QCity Metro, and Craig Martin from South Coast Marketing. Present were Charlotte Bobcat’s announcer Pat Doughty and host Caroline Renfro, celebrity stylist Sparkles, and make-up artist Fatima B. VP of Radio One, and arguably one of the most influential African Americans in radio, Wayne K Brown made an appearance. Charles Woodyard, CEO of the Charlotte Housing Authority and Jameka Whitten of NABEFEME also came out to lend support.
It proved to be an emotional night; one full of good humor and well deserved appreciation. It was a night that reminded everyone that it is important to make the time to recognize people in the midst of their goodness; a reminder that good people are like good jokes—they’re to be applauded in the moment and they stick with you for a lifetime.
