Cedric the Entertainer to Headline Florida Classic Weekend Kickoff
Acclaimed actor and comedian Cedric the Entertainer will jump-start Florida Blue Florida Classic weekend as only he can with a hilarious headlining set at the inaugural Florida Classic Weekend Kickoff on Thursday, Nov. 16.
This must-see show, presented by the Florida Lottery and featuring opening acts J.J. Williamson and Malik S., begins at 7:15 p.m. in the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Cedric the Entertainer will headline the Florida Classic Weekend Kickoff at the Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
World-renowned as one of the Original Kings of Comedy, Cedric the Entertainer has been celebrated for his roles in the Barbershop and Madagascar film series, in addition to dozens of other film and TV roles during his 30-year career. One of the most versatile performers in all of show business, Cedric has also served as host of Def Comedy Jam, BET’s Comic View and Who Wants to be a Millionaire. His most recent stand-up special, Cedric the Entertainer: Live from the Ville, debuted on Netflix in 2016.
“Cedric the Entertainer is a comedy legend, and it is truly a delight to have him joining us as part of Florida Blue Florida Classic weekend,” Bethune-Cookman University athletics director Lynn Thompson said. “He will be sure to keep the laughs coming as we gear up for another amazing Classic weekend.”
Prior to Cedric’s Weekend Kickoff performance, Bethune-Cookman University interim president Judge Hubert L. Grimes, Florida A&M University interim president Dr. Larry Robinson and the Florida Classic Consortium will host an awards ceremony focusing on both historic institutions and their respective contributions to education.
The ceremony, which will be preceded by a glamorous VIP reception, will see scholarships and “Classic Awards” handed out to students from all over Florida who have made a significant impact in the Service and Leadership, Business, STEM and Education fields.
“It is an honor to be able to recognize the accomplishments of these remarkable young men and women,” FAMU athletics director Milton Overton said. “Our hope is that the Florida Classic Weekend Kickoff will serve as yet another opportunity to highlight the outstanding work being done at Florida A&M, Bethune-Cookman and other first-rate institutions throughout the state.”
Tickets for the Florida Classic Weekend Kickoff start at $50 and will be available starting Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased through the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center box office or online at www.drphillipscenter.org.
Tickets are also currently available as part of Florida Blue Florida Classic “Weekend Pass” ticket packages. Weekend Pass packages include tickets to the Classic Weekend Kickoff on Thursday, the Florida Blue Battle of the Bands at Amway Center on Friday and the Florida Blue Florida Classic game at Camping World Stadium on Saturday. Packages are available by calling Florida Citrus Sports at 407.423.2476 or online at www.floridaclassic.org.
Proceeds from the game and all official ancillary events support the participating institutions’ mission of providing educational opportunities through scholarships for all students.