Aries Spears

Aries Spears is playing the Funny Bone in Kansas City on Sunday, October 11, 2026. If you've never seen him, he's a New York native who's been doing comedy since he was 14, and he's built his act on quick wit, charisma, and a ferociously aggressive style. He's one of those comics who can pivot from a punchline to a full-on character in a heartbeat.

Most people know him from Mad TV, where he was a regular cast member from season 3 through season 10. During that run, he created characters like Belma Buttons, Jesse Jackson, Mike Tyson, and Reggie (Erascist), and he wrote the sketch 'Talkin' American,' which became one of the show's most popular bits. He's also known for his impersonations of James Brown, Al Pacino, and Eddie Murphy. Beyond the sketch comedy, he's appeared in films like The Pest with John Leguizamo and Jerry Maguire, where he played Cuba Gooding Jr.'s brother. He's been on talk shows like Keenen Ivory Wayans' and Soul Train, and he voiced a character on C-Bear and Jamal. More recently, he guest-starred in CNN's 2023 docuseries See It Loud, which traced the history of Black television.

There are a few things to keep in mind before you head out. The Funny Bone is 21+, so everyone needs a valid ID to get in. Seating is first-come, first-served, with four people to a table, so if you want a good spot, it's worth getting there early. If you'd rather not leave it to chance, a VIP ticket puts you closer to the stage. There's a full bar and a dinner menu available, so you can make a meal of it. The show starts at 6 PM, and tickets run from $37 to $42.