Stuttering John Melendez, the comic and media personality known for his work on the Howard Stern Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, will headline a live stand-up performance at Rodney's New York Comedy Club on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 7:30 PM. The event marks a significant appearance at one of New York City's most respected comedy venues, founded by the late Rodney Dangerfield.
Melendez first gained national fame through his years on the Howard Stern Show, where his fearless interview style and on-air presence made him a standout personality. He later spent a decade as announcer and writer on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and has continued touring as a stand-up comic across the country. This performance represents a homecoming of sorts to a venue that embodies the raw, unfiltered spirit of New York comedy.
"This is New York comedy the way it's supposed to be," said Stuttering John Melendez. "Rodney's has real history, real crowds, and no room for safe material. I'm bringing everything to this show, the stories, the truth, and the stuff I probably shouldn't say but will anyway." The comedian's commitment to authentic, boundary-pushing material aligns with the club's legacy, making this event particularly notable for comedy purists.
Audiences can expect sharp commentary, personal stories from behind the scenes of radio and television, and a no-filter performance shaped by decades in entertainment. The appearance is expected to draw long-time Stern Show fans, comedy insiders, and New York comedy regulars, creating a convergence of different comedy generations and fan bases. This matters because it represents the continuation of a specific comedic tradition—one rooted in risk-taking and personal authenticity—within a cultural institution that helped define it.
The event details include a performance at Rodney's New York Comedy Club located at 1118 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10065. Tickets are $30 for general admission, plus a $20 food and beverage minimum, applicable taxes, and 18 percent gratuity. For those interested in learning more about the performer, additional information about Stuttering John Melendez is available at https://www.stutteringjohnpodcast.com. The venue itself maintains a website at https://www.rodneyscomedyclub.com where further details about the club and its history can be found.
The importance of this event extends beyond a single performance. It highlights the enduring appeal of veteran comedians who have transitioned across media platforms while maintaining a connection to live stand-up. In an era where comedy consumption is increasingly digital, performances at historic physical venues like Rodney's preserve the immediacy and communal experience central to the art form. The combination of a performer with Melendez's background and a venue with Dangerfield's legacy creates a meaningful moment for comedy culture, reminding audiences of the medium's roots in challenging, personal storytelling performed without a net.
