"The crowd gave it up to Nate," recounts Competition founder Tony Spires. "It was a quality field of nine seasoned professionals this year. Nate's focus and his energy were the difference. He was on fire instantly," Spires adds. Convinced that there is strength in numbers, Jackson, a seven-year comedy veteran, didn't come alone. The 26 year-old Jackson, a student of comedy, who also holds a bachelors of science degree in Organizational Communications, became the professor that night, as he taught a class on onstage shtick, as well as strategy.
An impressive 37 of Jackson's biggest fans flew, drove and trained from Washington's "Emerald City" to California's Golden Gate to pay their young prospect the highest honor and help cheer him on to victory. His enthusiastic clan included his parents, along with a varied assortment of friends and family. "Maybe that's why he felt so at home," Spires added. "He had his people in the house."
"My goal was to win. I just wanted to do what I knew I was capable of doing. I was determined to have the best set of my life. I left the rest in God's hands," comments Jackson. If Saturday, April 17th, 2010 was any indication, Nate Jackson just expanded his territory and his fan-base. "I couldn't believe it! I immediately got 80 congratulatory text messages from friends. My Facebook and Twitter were off the charts! I'm in great company, now. I feel like big things are going to happen for me!" exclaimed Jackson. There were a total of 9 Finalists from all over the country, many who had much more experience than the winner but Jackson didn't bow to seniority. Rounding out the top three spots were Memphis' Henry Coleman and Chicago's Marcus Combs.
"We celebrate our 25th Silver Anniversary in 2011 and I'm looking forward to discovering and presenting the next generation of stand-up comedians to the world-who often double as 'industry game-changers' like Jamie Foxx and Katt Williams," Spires touted.
The BABCCF, the pioneering event that is a precursor to TV shows like HBO's Def Comedy Jam and BET's Comic View, was emceed by 1995 champion comedian/actor Don "DC" Curry. Opening the festivities was the youth performing arts ensemble Vision's Kids, who performed their latest offering, "The Art Of Education," an inspiring musical message to save our youth.
The evening was kicked-off by Full Vision Arts Foundation and LA Jones & Associates' 6th Annual Inspired Artist Awards Ceremony and Reception. The ceremony honored outstanding members in the community who have achieved recognition-worthy status through service. On Friday, April 16th Full Vision Arts Foundation presented their 3rd Annual Youth Arts & Entertainment Forum, an open entertainment industry forum and youth showcase hosted by celebrity mentors: Don "DC" Curry, musician D'Wayne Wiggins, spoken word artist Ise Lyfe, Hip Hop producer Krushadelic, broadcaster Larry Chew, fashion guru Charleston Pierce and organizer Tony Spires. (Above photo-By Auintard Henderson) Check out the interview below with Nate after his win.
