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 a venue with deep roots in New York comedy history, 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 established him as 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. His upcoming performance at Rodney's represents a convergence of his extensive broadcast experience with the raw energy of live comedy.
Rodney's New York Comedy Club operates inside the historic venue founded by Rodney Dangerfield and remains one of New York City's most respected rooms for stand-up comedy. The club's legacy as a proving ground for comedians adds significance to Melendez's appearance, connecting contemporary comedy with its traditional New York roots. For more information about the venue, visit https://www.rodneyscomedyclub.com.
"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." This statement underscores the unfiltered approach that has defined Melendez's career across multiple media platforms.
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 performance is scheduled for 7:30 PM at Rodney's New York Comedy Club located at 1118 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10065. Tickets are priced at $30 for general admission, plus a $20 food and beverage minimum, applicable taxes, and 18 percent gratuity.
This appearance is expected to draw long-time Stern Show fans, comedy insiders, and New York comedy regulars, creating a convergence of different comedy audiences at a single event. The performance represents more than just another comedy show—it connects Melendez's broadcast legacy with the intimate, challenging environment of a historic comedy club. For those interested in Melendez's current work, he hosts The Stuttering John Podcast available at https://www.stutteringjohnpodcast.com.
The event's significance extends beyond entertainment to cultural preservation, as it brings a media personality with mainstream recognition to a venue that represents traditional New York comedy culture. In an era where comedy consumption increasingly happens through digital platforms, live performances at historic venues like Rodney's maintain the art form's essential connection between performer and audience. The combination of Melendez's unfiltered style and the venue's demanding environment promises an authentic comedy experience that reflects the medium's core values.
