Who is SuitMan?

Duante 'SuitMan' Barnett took a road trip to California for his 40th birthday, where he made a splash at the Alameda Comedy Club's open mic, showcasing his talent in a space that celebrates diversity in comedy, much like popular comedy podcasts and the vibes of iconic shows like Deaf Comedy Jam.

After making an initial trip to Portland, Duante` gets a chance at one of the best open mics on the west coast and rips a set at Helium Comedy Club, drawing inspiration from the diverse voices seen in shows like Deaf Comedy Jam. His performance later gets featured on several popular comedy podcasts and highlighted by various comedy productions, showcasing the importance of diversity in comedy.

Comedian Ken Hamlett hosts an entertaining podcast, A Drunken Night Out, which stands out among the best comedy podcasts. Luckily for Duante`, Ken needed a guest and he was able to fill in! Tune in to discover why this podcast won Best Podcast at the 4th Annual Northwest Black Comedy Festival, a testament to the diversity in comedy and the influence of platforms like Deaf Comedy Jam.

Duante` started doing comedy on August 7, 2018, at Caballero's in Tacoma. During his early days, he was homeless and would hit multiple mic nights each evening, using comedy not only to stay busy but also to explore topics like diversity in comedy. Nicknamed 'Sweatsuit Man,' he was not yet known as 'SUITMAN.' One of his early decent sets can be seen below, showcasing his raw talent that would later inspire many listeners on various comedy podcasts and feature in some impressive comedy productions, reminiscent of the energy found in Deaf Comedy Jam!

Duante` had gotten his wardrobe back and was now in a stylish 3-piece suit, telling jokes that resonated with a diverse audience. He was invited to participate in the last local showcase at the Parlor in Bellevue, where his performance reflected the spirit of shows like Deaf Comedy Jam. After a great set, he began to establish his SuitMan trademark, attracting attention from several comedy productions and even piquing the interest of comedy podcasts.

After producing Dark Brew at Laugh's, Duante` was invited to perform in their 3rd Annual Laugh Off. While he may not have won the event, he gained valuable stage time, showcasing his talent similar to those found on popular comedy podcasts and within notable comedy productions like Deaf Comedy Jam. Over two nights, he performed 4 shows, contributing to the ongoing conversation about diversity in comedy.

SuitMan Productions are starting to gain momentum. Seattle comics drove down and performed at Silver Star Saloon in Vancouver, WA, hosted by Chris Smith. Duante` had a blast and even sparked a trend of bringing the Seattle takeover to Vancouver, showcasing the diversity in comedy that we often celebrate in comedy podcasts and productions that honor influences like Deaf Comedy Jam.

Duante` is thrilled to have been booked at Salem Ale Works in Oregon for a comedy production that showcases diversity in comedy. He delivers a clean act, especially mindful of the seven children in the audience. While the topics may have been a bit risqué, there's no foul language in this set, demonstrating the positive storytelling often celebrated in comedy podcasts and reminiscent of the inspiring performances seen on Deaf Comedy Jam.

Duante discusses the importance of diversity in comedy on the General Mutombo Uncut Podcast, where he also highlights his work with Suitman Productions and addresses issues like gentrification. In this insightful interview, he shares his motivations, passions, and morals, reflecting on the influence of shows like Deaf Comedy Jam and the evolving landscape of comedy podcasts.