Kiss My Bumper! Catching Up With Local Legend Howard G

Many of you probably remember comedian, Howard G (Gaskins) from his Senate Auto Insurance commercials from the 90s.

We had the chance to catch up with the DMV legend who coined the term “Kiss my bumper!” this week…check it out:

The MoCoShow: Are you from the DMV area?

Howard G: I am, I’m from Baltimore, MD.

The MoCoShow: How long have you been doing comedy?

Howard G: I have been doing comedy for a little over 26 years now.

The MoCoShow: How did the Senate commercials come about? Did you expect them to get as big as they did?

Howard G: I was driving in from doing some clubs in New Jersey and New York. My agent at the time (Sharon Steele Casting) paged me (you know this was a long time ago because I had a beeper back then). Well she put 911 in the pager, so I pulled over on the New Jersey turnpike and called her. She told me that they are having auditions for this new car insurance company and they are looking for an African-American actor in his 20s. She said for me to hurry up and go to a Holiday Inn hotel in Glen Burnie. I got there and saw quite a few other radio/tv personalities auditioning. BET host Donnie Simpson, FOX 5’s Tony Perkins, TV and radio host comedian Joe Clear, and many more. I created and made up the slogan “Kiss My BUMPER” while auditioning. They told me on the spot right after I auditioned “you are the one we have been looking for!!” Here we are 22 years and 30 television commercials later.”

The MoCoShow: When did the first commercial air?

Howard G: The 1st commercial aired in January 1994.

The MoCoShow: What have you been doing since?

Howard G: Well I have been, and still am, a professional comedian and playwright. I have done other local and national commercials, performed on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and the Wire, 3 seasons of BET Comic View, went to Kuwait and Afghanistan to perform for U.S. troops. I’ve also opened up for Patti Labelle, Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, and The Temptations just to name a few.

The MoCoShow: How does it feel being a celebrity in our area?

Howard G: I don’t consider myself a celebrity. When I walk in the streets of D.C., Virginia and Maryland, especially when my commercials were on TV 5 or 6 times a day, people would just tell out to me “Hey Kiss My Bumper!!” I would just smile and say hello back.

Howard G: I THANK GOD FOR ALL THOSE BLESSINGS, BUT NOW I AM TRYING TO GIVE BACK TO THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORTED ME FOR ALL THOSE YEARS. ESPECIALLY WITH MY STAND UP COMEDY AND MY TOURING GOSPEL MUSICAL COMEDY STAGE PLAY CALLED “NEVER COULD HAVE MADE IT $$!

Watch Howard G do his thing at one of his many live events coming soon (pictured below) or check out his website www.comediang.com

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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival

Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.

Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.

Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!

17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival

Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)

Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895

www.dayofthebook.com

Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival

Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director

[email protected]

301-949-9416 (text preferred)

FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

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