Catch national comedy powerhouse headliner Honest John at the Duke City Comedy Jam Series (DCCJS) on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for a belly-bursting night at Albuquerque’s African American Performing Arts Center, brought to you by DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the comedy show lasting from 7 to 10 p.m., featuring a high-energy lineup of local talent and witty stand-up.
What is the Duke City Comedy Jam with Honest John?
The Duke City Comedy Jam Series brings national headliner Honest John to Albuquerque for a one-night stand-up event on April 18, 2026, at the African American Performing Arts Center. The show runs from 7 to 10 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m., giving Santa Fe comedy fans a clear window to drive down, park, and settle in before the first set begins.
Why is this comedy show worth the drive from Santa Fe?
Santa Fe audiences who want a full-length, club-style comedy night get three hours of stand-up, storytelling, and crowd work in a dedicated performance venue. The event pairs a national touring act with some of Albuquerque’s strongest local comics, making it a good option for date night, a friends’ outing, or a small-group trip from Santa Fe.
DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC. curates shows that feel both professionally polished and connected to the community. creating evenings designed for people who actually want to engage with the art form.
What are the event details for Santa Fe attendees?
- Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Time: Doors open at 6 p.m.; show from 7 to 10 p.m.
- Venue: African American Performing Arts Center, 310 San Pedro Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
- Host: Nicolina Nicthe
- Presented by: DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
*The African American Performing Arts Center is located at Expo New Mexico, which offers on-site and nearby parking; plan extra time to navigate the fairgrounds if you are driving in from Santa Fe.
How much are tickets, and how do I buy them?
General admission tickets for the Duke City Comedy Jam featuring Honest John cost $25, plus the Eventbrite fee and tax, for a total of $28.52 at checkout. All seats are general admission, and you can pay online by debit or credit card or two digital wallet options (Google Pay or PayPal).
Who is performing at the Duke City Comedy Jam?
Honest John headlines the show with a conversational, observational style that leans into sharp commentary and audience connection. The lineup also features Albuquerque-based comedians, among them:
- Keith Breckenridge
- Danger K. Varoz
- Mary Byrd
- Luis Powell-Moreno
- Curt Fletcher
Keith BreckenridgeMary ByrdLuis Powell-Moreno
What can Santa Fe comedy fans expect from this show?
Expect a three-hour, in-person show with host segments, multiple openers, and a full headlining set from national act Honest John, not a short showcase or amateur open mic. The energy leans toward an adult night out, with mature themes and language likely, so it is best suited for grown-up audiences making a planned evening trip from Santa Fe.
About DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC. is a New Mexico–based live events company focused on Black arts, comedy, music, and spoken word across
Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and the broader region. The team curates professional, community-centered shows that bring touring artists and local performers onto the same stage, creating intimate, high-engagement experiences for audiences.
Flagship events include legacy-driven programs such as The Last Poets, the Duke City Comedy Jam Series, and the Duke City Old School Concert Series, which celebrate classic R&B, soul, and old school acts in venue settings that prioritize sound, sightlines, and artist access.
DSH also runs initiatives like event contests, scholarship opportunities, and sponsorship programs that connect regional partners, students, and emerging talent to live performance.
Fans in Santa Fe and throughout northern New Mexico can stay in the loop on new dates, including future shows closer to home, by joining the DSH newsletter, reading event recaps on the blog, or exploring the members-only social club. For collaborations, booking questions, or details about upcoming shows in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, use the contact form on the official site.
Head to ABQ for the Duke City Comedy Jam
The Duke City Comedy Jam Series featuring Honest John delivers a full-throttle night of live stand-up, local grit, and community energy that far outshines any comedy special on screen.
Prepare for a focused, intentional night out that prioritizes the craft of stand-up comedy: three hours of observational wit, sharp commentary, and the unpredictable energy of a room where the audience is as much a part of the set as the performers.
Buy tickets now, and reserve your spot for a sure-to-sell-out, one-night-only performance.
FAQs for Santa Fe attendees
How long does it take to get from Santa Fe to the African American Performing Arts Center?
Most drivers can get from central Santa Fe to the African American Performing Arts Center in about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes via I‑25 South, depending on traffic and weather. To avoid rushing, plan extra time for parking inside Expo New Mexico and walking to the theater entrance, especially if you want to be in your seat before the opening host takes the mic.
Where do I park for the African American Performing Arts Center?
The African American Performing Arts Center sits inside Expo New Mexico, which has a mix of on-site and nearby parking areas during events. Follow posted signs and staff directions once you enter the fairgrounds, and plan for a short walk from your parking spot to the theater.
Can I take the Rail Runner or bus from Santa Fe instead of driving?
Yes, Santa Fe residents who prefer not to drive can look at New Mexico Rail Runner Express schedules connecting Santa Fe and Albuquerque. If you choose transit, please check return times carefully to make sure the last evening train matches the 10 p.m. show end, and consider a rideshare or taxi from the station to Expo New Mexico.
Is this Duke City Comedy Jam a good option for a Santa Fe date night or group outing?
This show works well for couples, friend groups, and small work crews from Santa Fe who want a destination night out. You could also pair the trip with an early dinner in Albuquerque, and arrive at the venue when doors open at 6 p.m., enjoy the three-hour comedy block, then either drive back or stay in a nearby hotel to make it a simple overnight.
Are there hotel options nearby if I do not want to drive back to Santa Fe after the show?
Yes, there are many hotels and short-term rentals within a short drive of Expo New Mexico, ranging from budget-friendly motels to full-service luxury properties. If you know you will not want to drive back to Santa Fe after a 10 p.m. show, booking a room in advance within a 10–15 minute drive of the venue is the easiest way to enjoy the full night without watching the clock.
Is the material appropriate if I’m bringing family from Santa Fe?
The Duke City Comedy Jam is produced as an adult-oriented stand-up show, and both the headliner and local comics may use strong language and address mature topics. If you are bringing colleagues, children, teens, or extended family from Santa Fe, it is a good idea to sample recent clips from the featured comedians online so everyone knows the tone before you buy tickets.
What time should I arrive if I am driving from Santa Fe?
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show happens from 7 to 10 p.m., so Santa Fe drivers should aim to arrive at the venue 30–45 minutes before showtime. That window gives you time to park, pass through security and ticket scanning, visit concessions, and find your seat in the general admission area.
How long does the Duke City Comedy Jam last?
This edition of the Duke City Comedy Jam Series is planned as a three-hour program, including the host, multiple supporting acts, and the full headlining set from Honest John. You can expect a complete comedy night with minimal downtime, which justifies the trip from Santa Fe for fans who want more than a short showcase.
Where can I learn about future DSH ENTERTAINMENT shows in Santa Fe and Albuquerque?
Updates about upcoming shows, contests, and community programs from DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC. appear on the company’s official website, newsletter, and social channels. Following these channels is the most reliable way to spot new dates in Albuquerque and potential future events in or near Santa Fe.
This article was posted by Jess
