CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Gary Singleton opened Joker’s Comedy House a year ago this month with a goal of giving back to the community with comedy acts and family fun. But he took on the project knowing there would be a challenge: The comedy house is at 2150 Fort Campbell Blvd., a location with a troubled past. 

Just four months before Singleton held his grand opening event for Joker’s Comedy House last year, the location was the home of Smoove’s Bar and Grill.

At around midnight on Saturday, April 27, 2024, a person was shot in the abdomen at Smoove’s and he was pronounced dead at the hospital. That person was later identified as 22-year-old Isaiah Henderson from Hopkinsville, Kentucky. A month after the shooting, Smoove’s Bar and Grill closed, Singleton said.

Video by Alexander Henninger

Singleton, a 22-year Army veteran who has been landlord for the property since September 2023, said he knew exactly what to do with the location, an idea that had been on his mind for over a decade: bring a comedy house to Clarksville.

Now in 2025, he’s looking to rewrite the location’s history and transform its troubled past with laughs.

‘The place that this was, is no longer’

Singleton now views the venue as a place everybody would want to come in and experience. “The place that this was, is no longer,” he said. “My whole reasoning behind it was Clarksville needed something different, something unique. While there have been clubs, bars and restaurants here, there’s been no dedicated nighttime entertainment. So, that’s why I came up with the idea,” he said.

Among the comedians they’ve hosted are Tyler Chronicles, Bruh Man and D.J. Pryor. Upcoming acts include Lee Mays, AJ Wilkerson and David Catash.

When asked about his message to those who haven’t yet been to Joker’s to see a show, Singleton told Clarksville Now that people are missing out on a great thing. “We have a great time every weekend,” he said.

In addition to their traditional comedy shows, Joker’s Comedy House hosts improv on Wednesdays and comedy open mic on Thursdays, according to Singleton. The Comedy House also hosts a number of events on Fridays and Sundays. Singleton said that Saturdays will always be reserved for comedy shows, and they also have family-friendly events.

Drinks are served at Joker’s Comedy House, as well as appetizers and a main course with a set of chef specials, which includes their catfish combo and Philly cheesesteak fries.

Giving back to nonprofits, Fort Campbell

In addition to providing the community with laughs and fun, Joker’s Comedy House is giving back to local nonprofits.

Singleton told Clarksville Now the comedy house plans to hold one show per month where the proceeds go to a nonprofit organization. He said they have already worked with the likes of the Purple Heart Society, as well as others. Singleton also pointed out they hold one free event per month at Fort Campbell’s Warrior Zone.

For more information and upcoming events, visit the Joker’s Comedy House website or their Instagram and Facebook.

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