American comedy scene.

Three stars from a new wave of down-to-earth black comedians are set to hit the stage at Clay House Inn next Sunday (April 11).

The International Comedy Show will feature acts by cable television network stars Tony Woods, Maceo and TK Kirkland, plus local comedian Bootsie.

Mr. Erwin (Bootsie) Wolffe's new company Bootsie's Comedy Grip is, in fact, putting on the show.

Tony Woods is a regular comedian on HBO's Def Comedy Jam and Black Entertainment (BET) network's Comic View.

Maceo is a cast member of Fox network's Uptown Comedy Club and has also appeared on HBO's Def Comedy Jam. And TK Kirkland has appeared on all three networks.

All three stars have performed at the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York, and numerous Las Vegas clubs.

"The new line of black comedians has really taken off. It is a growing market,'' Mr. Wolffe noted.

He said he was putting on the show because of the "huge success'' of his last show, on February 28, which featured a white ventriloquist with a black dummy.

He added he wanted to be as active as possible in stand-up comedy, but felt Bermudians would tire of his act if he performed solo too often.

"I came up with the idea of bringing in comedians for live shows so at least Bermudians would still get some comedy from Bootsie,'' he said.

The comic said he had no trouble booking the stars to perform in Bermuda. They even agreed to lower their fees.

"I marketed it as vacation package to come down and perform and that had a lot of appeal,'' he said. He is now having to "choose and refuse''.

Mr. Wolffe formed his company last month. He does not feel it will present any competition to Mr. Peter Petty's Bermuda Comedy Club at the Sonesta Beach Hotel, where he will be performing this summer.

Tickets for the shows, at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., are $20 and available at Champion Sports and 27th Century Boutique.

Children under 18 will not be admitted due to the nature of the performances.

The Bermuda Comedy Club has found itself a new home at the Sonesta Beach Hotel in Southampton.

According to a press release issued by the hotel, top acts will be featured at the club, including the internationally renowned comic, Paul Wildbaum. Famous for his interactive shows, Mr. Wildbaum combines mime, comedy, slapstick and visual theatre for a unique type of performance.

He is well-known for his "xylophone skit'', in which he invites members of the audience to create "the world's only human xylophone''.

"We were striving for an entertainment club that emphasised audience participation and the acts at the Comedy Club promise to get everyone involved,'' said Sonesta's food and beverage manager Mr. Anthony Santucci.

Local comics will be appearing in weekend shows, and Bootsie -- one of Bermuda's best-known comics -- will be one of the local hosts.

In addition to the comedy performances, the club will feature King Pedro' Limbo Revue Mondays through Thursdays and a late-night laser karaoke show.

Shows begin at 9 p.m. each night and admission is $10.