Ready to Rumble

One New Year's Eve (he doesn't remember exactly what year), comedian Earthquake was scheduled to take the stage at precisely 11 p.m. at a St. Louis club (he doesn't remember exactly which one). He does, however, remember that inclement weather kept his plane from landing on schedule, and he subsequently didn't arrive at the venue until midnight. "It was me and this group called Silk on the bill," Earthquake recalls. "I was so late, but me and the crowd just acted at one o'clock like it was twelve o'clock, and we did the countdown all over again."

Come hell or high water, this time around the comedian (né Nathaniel Stroman) will be on time for his headlining gig at the Roberts Orpheum Theater (416 North Ninth Street), where he is joined by RodMan, Roz G, St. Louis native Guy Torry and host Lavelle Crawford; the group presents "Earthquake & Friends" at 8 p.m. sharp on Saturday, November 26. "I chose them personally," 'Quake says of his comedic cohorts. "Guy Torry's career in film is one to be admired. And RodMan is an up-and-coming young brother from down in Georgia. He brings a Southern twang to his stuff, kinda like he's the Lil Jon of comedy."

In addition to doing live shows, Earthquake keeps plenty busy with other projects. He recently released his debut solo DVD, It's About Got Damm Time, and filmed a role in Kevin Smith's Clerks sequel, The Passion of the Clerks. And just a few weeks ago, Earthquake turned in the final script for an HBO pilot. "I'm just sittin' around waitin' for the phone to ring, like a young kid without a prom date," he riffs. "I hope they call and say, 'Hey, you going to the prom!' But we gotta wait and see. That's how it always is: You just gotta wait and see."

Tickets to see "Earthquake & Friends" cost $35.50 to $41.50 at www.ticketmaster.com; call the Orpheum at 314-588-0388 or visit www.robertsorpheum.com for more information. — Julie Seabaugh