Meet Luhray: Stand Up Comedian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Luhray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luhray, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think taking calculated risks is always necessary for growth but I also believe in walking in purpose. I think when you know your purpose & you let that guide your steps the fear of risk subsides. Moving to Atlanta with no family & maybe 2 friends was a big risk for me but as soon as I got here it was I was meeting the right people & the opportunities started presenting themselves. It took that as a sign that walking in my purpose was the right choice.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Just saying that stand up comedy is difficult is doing a huge disservice to comedians everywhere. Making people laugh in general conversation is one thing but getting on a stage with the implict goal of making everyone laugh is SCARY! However when you succeed there is no better feeling. I still remember getting my first stage laugh & it’s like the first hit- you’re always chasing that high. I’ve definitely learned to stay true to my voice. I come from a mixed race background & I think that informs a lot of the subjects I talk about & the way I see them. Everyone isn’t going to relate with my story or my viewpoint but hey that’s art. The people that it’s meant for will catch it & as I become more known- that pool will grow. I never want to become unauthentic bc I think authenticity is the backbone of comedy. REAL, people what the real.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The city of Atlanta is so beautiful & there’s so much to see! I’ve actually been making a list of all the cool landmarks with either some type of cool fixture or street art so when friends visit I know the best places to take some nice flicks. I just saw a really cool mural that said “United” off Woodland, so yeah working on that haha. One thing about me, I love to eat. Atlanta has some of the best chicken wings, hands down so we gotta hit up a couple of those places. Some of my faves are Wing Shack & The Wing Bar. I’m also obsessed with JJs Fish & Hamjime ramen bar – the ultra spicy with a side of chicken katsu is incredible. They also have one of the best Moscow mules I’ve had in my life. Of course if you come visit me I gotta drag you to a bunch of comedy spots, Uptown Comedy is a constant hang for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout my parents John & Val. They have always encouraged me to just be myself & know not only is that enough but also exactly what will propel me. I also want to shoutout my second & fourth grade teacher Ms. Tilghman she introduced me to Improv & Oratory competitions. She always saw something in me & meeting her changed my life.

Website: YouTube.com/Ayeitsluhray
Instagram: LuhrayDassit
Twitter: LuhrayDassit
Facebook: Luhray Lauré

Image Credits
@corymarcusfilms (headshot with buns) @kimcravenphotography (headshot with curls)