Ice Cube and Mike Epps will celebrate 30 years of Friday with a hip-hop and stand-up show in Long Beach, California, at the Long Beach Amphitheater on July 17. The event is called Everyday’s Friday: Lyrics, Loungin’ and Laughing, and it is a one-night-only affair.
The show will feature an as-yet-unannounced lineup of comedians, as well as special musical guests Warren G and the Geto Boys’ Scarface. Ice Cube will deliver his greatest hits, alongside a headlining stand-up set from Epps.
Friday
Friday was released in 1995. It featured Ice Cube as the lead character, Craig Jones. In the story, Craig is a newly unemployed man. He teams up with his stoner pal, Smokey, who was played by Chris Tucker. Their goal is to pay off a $200 debt. Epps played the character Daymond “Day-Day” Jones. He made his debut in Next Friday in 2000. He later returned for Friday After Next in 2002.
“Friday has always been about and for the fans who made it a classic and kept it alive for nearly 30 years. To be able to step back out there with Mike Epps and bring that energy to the stage for a one-night-only experience in Long Beach is special. This show represents the beginning of the next chapter,” says Ice Cube.
Epps matched that energy. “Every day for the last 30 years someone has told me how much they loved the Friday franchise and how much the characters mean to them. To reunite with Cube and bring this one night only experience to the fans is incredible.”
Last Friday
The show is also happening the same day the long-awaited 4th installment, Last Friday drops in theaters. Katt Williams is joining the mix with Aaron McGruder, co-writing the script alongside Ice Cube and DJ Pooh.
The announcement itself came with a memorable moment. Ice Cube took the field at Dodger Stadium on May 12th to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The mask-wearing catcher turned out to be Epps. This surprise appearance happened on Ice Cube bobblehead day at the stadium.
Fans attending the Long Beach show will have more to look forward to than just the music. The event will feature a costume contest for fans who dress up as their favorite Friday characters. The contest includes a $2,000 first place cash prize and an exclusive meet and greet. There is a $1,000 second prize and a $500 third prize. VIP packages with meet-and-greet experiences and exclusive merchandise are also available in limited quantities.
Tickets became available Thursday via the venue and Live Nation presales, with general ticket sales beginning Friday at 10 A.M. (PT).
