DeRay Davis Brings Knock-Knock Comedy to Knoxville

Deray Davis Hits Knoxville

Chicago-born comedian and actor DeRay Davis is set to light up Knoxville tonight with a fresh batch of knock-knock jokes and high-energy standup at the historic Bijou Theatre. The 53-year-old funnyman posted a playful Instagram teaser Thursday afternoon: “knock knock
who’s there
Knock
Knock who
Knock it off , 🫠😒

ps I’m in KNOCKS ville tonight
#knoxville #comedy #bijouTheater.” The caption perfectly captures Davis’s tongue-in-cheek style and hints at the pun-packed evening ahead.

From Chicago To The Bijou

Born June 14, 1970, in Chicago, DeRay Davis first made waves in the 1990s comedy circuit before branching into film and television. He’s appeared alongside Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum in 21 Jump Street, lent his voice to animated hits like The Boondocks, and delivered memorable turns in Barbershop and XXX: Return of Xander Cage. Yet on Instagram, Davis always circles back to standup—his roots and the core of his stage persona.

Photos shared on his feed show Davis mid-set under warm stage lights, microphone in hand and audience faces gleaming with laughter. In one shot, he leans forward, eyebrows raised, as the crowd tenses before the punchline. In another, he spreads his arms wide after landing a groan-worthy “knock-knock” pun, punctuating the moment with a satisfied grin.

“I love that old-school call-and-response energy,” Davis told fans via Instagram Live last month. “A simple ‘knock-knock’ can be the perfect setup for something absurd. It’s timeless.”

Summer Tour Continues

Tonight’s show caps off Davis’s brief Tennessee stop. He’s slated to hit Washington, D.C., next weekend for a Fourth of July performance at MGM National Harbor. In a recent Instagram post alongside producer Jazze Pha, he urged followers to “Bring the whole families 😂😂 4th of July wknd in DC gonna be more fun than fireworks! #MGM national harbor DERAY ⚡ JAZZE PHA.”

Fans can snag last-minute tickets at deraydavis.com or at the Bijou’s box office before doors open at 8 p.m. Expect a 90-minute set that blends Davis’s trademark observational humor with rapid-fire callbacks and, of course, his signature knock-knock riffs.

Reviews from earlier tour stops praise Davis’s ability to riff off audience responses. At a Brooklyn show last month, one attendee wrote, “DeRay’s timing is impeccable—he’ll drop a pun, watch your groan, then double-back with an even cheekier line.” Others note that, despite his film credits, his standup remains the highlight of any night.

A Night Of Puns And Punchlines

Whether you come for the jokes or the chance to see a screen favorite working the stage, tonight’s Bijou Theatre engagement promises an entertaining mix of wordplay and personality. The venue’s intimate 910-seat layout offers up-close views, ensuring every wink and head tilt lands with maximum effect.

Doors open at 7 p.m., with opening acts kicking off around 7:30. Davis steps onstage at 8:15, so early arrival is recommended—especially if you want a prime seat near the stage. Concessions will be available in the lobby, including beer, wine and a selection of local snacks.

Tickets range from $35 to $60, with a limited number of VIP passes offering meet-and-greet opportunities after the show. According to the Bijou box office, only a few VIP spots remain.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or looking for a comedy night out, DeRay Davis’s Knoxville date is shaping up to be a highlight of the city’s summer entertainment calendar. Expect knock-knock lines, playful crowd banter and the kind of laughter that only a seasoned pro can deliver.

From Chicago’s open-mic nights to major film sets, and now to East Tennessee, Davis continues to prove that a well-timed pun can still pack a punch.

Don’t miss out—Knock, knock: it’s DeRay Davis, and he’s ready to make Knoxville laugh tonight.

Trivia

DeRay Davis has collaborated with fellow comedians and actors, enhancing his visibility in the entertainment industry.