Comedian, writer, and actor Punkie Johnson is known for her hilarious work as a former cast member on Saturday Night Live. When Johnson joined SNL in its 45th season, she made history as the first out Black lesbian cast member and became a featured player the following season. She will be headlining a lineup of LGBTQ comedians at Newark Culture Club on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Johnson's credits include Netflix's Space Force, HBO's A Black Lady Sketch Show, CBS' Ghosts, Bill Burr Presents: The Ringers, and the upcoming feature film Bottoms. Punkie also stars in HBO Max's Love Life and was called "a particular stand out" by TIME Magazine. She has also served as a writer & consultant for Peacock's Queer as Folk reboot. Punkie's comedy is direct and honest, and she pulls from her personal life to get big laughs. Punkie was a New Face at the Just for Laughs Festival in 2019 and is a proud paid regular at the World Famous Comedy Store in Hollywood.
The show features Calvin S. Cato and Glo Butler, who were both listed by Time Out New York as LGBTQ+ Comics of Color to Watch.
The evening's hosts are Alisha Day and Harmonica Sunbeam, two of the most notable drag performers in the NYC area.
The proceeds from the show and afterparty will be donated to the Newark LGBTQ Center.
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "ICE SS" by the Central Jersey punk act Sally Draper.
