My name is Jamaal Gardner. Murray State graduate. I guess people would consider me the “Town Clown.” No makeup though. I’ve worked at the same place for 17 years & I have the “Cheers” aspect to me. You know, “Where everybody knows your name.” For the past four years, I’ve done standup comedy. Would like to do it full-time. Performed in a number of states & until the pandemic hit. I was getting on a roll. Now, it’s a challenge to see if I can gain that momentum back & see if it was meant to be.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family is down to earth. Hard workers. Lots of love. They have so much wisdom. They have a story for every situation I’ve ever brought up. Just great people. I’m a product of them. Hopefully people think I’m a decent guy.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve worked at the same grocery store for 17 years now. I know. Was a cashier for majority of those times. Charles Barkley didn’t like that. Check it out on YouTube. I’m hoping my future career is being a full-time stand-up comedian. Been doing it for four years now. Met a ton of people. Performed alongside celebrities I’d thought I’d never meet. There’s nothing like making a whole room laugh at your thoughts. It’s addicting beyond words.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Matt B’s. Mugsy’s Hideout. Hop Hound. Tap 216 is nice. Our local spots are nice.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
18 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Diego. He wins in a landslide.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
It don’t matter. Tired of being in quarantine.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Golden Girls. Married with Children. Martin. The Bernie Mac Show. The Old School Nickelodeon shows. Almost any game show. Favorite game show is Press Your Luck. I’ll destroy you in Wheel of Fortune. Try me.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Go after your dream. Ignore the dream killers & doubters, because they aren’t perfect.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Easy. I want to be in an outdoor hot tub in Aspen, Colorado. Snow capped mountains will be all around me while I have a sip of champagne or some hot cocoa. I just want to feel like a boss one time.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Prince & The Revolution.Pink Floyd.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Matt B’s Pizza. The Baked Potato Pizza is on another level.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Betty White. Do I have to answer why? She fed a bear with her bare hands, while she was in the cage with a bear. It’s on YouTube. That’s a bad woman.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
We’re definitely friendly. Since it’s a college town, the world seems smaller. I see my former Racer classmates meeting celebrities like they’ve been friends for life. Seems we always know someone who knows someone who knows someone. We’re like a smaller version of Kevin Bacon or something.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
On stage. Telling jokes in a big city.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was very shy growing up. Behind close doors, I’m pretty relaxed. Some people think I’m loud all the time & I’m not.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Cancun, Mexico.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October is my favorite month. It’s hoodie season. Big guys look great in hoodies. Halloween is my favorite holiday. You can see people’s creative sides & people actually have fun. A lot of people don’t think about fun when they grow up. Take some time out & have fun. You deserve it. What’s my favorite single day of the year? April Fool’s Day. Who doesn’t love a good prank? I know. Not fun people.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Making someone laugh. When you provide that escape for someone who’s going through something, it feels awesome.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My parents & my comedy friends. My parents have worked hard all their lives & I took it for granted until now. My comedy friends are doing some amazing things. Every time I log on social media, they’re on another show with someone I’ve admired. Performing in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles & such.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Freshly opened coffee & movie theatre popcorn.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Friends. Love.
