Whether it was her stand-up comedy, her role on “Chapelle’s Show” or her radio personality presence, Dominique’s jokes have probably made you laugh at some point in time. Laughter is what Dominique is promising when she performs stand-up comedy for three nights at Punch Line Philly (33 E. Laurel St.) this month. Spirit News spoke with Dominique about her upcoming shows in our area and how she feels about Philadelphia’s own comedic status.

Spirit News: How’d you get started in comedy?

Dominique: I’m from D.C., so I started in D.C. I went to New York from there and now I’m based in Los Angeles. I just ran into some people. I had a friend who introduced me to one of his friends, who happened to be a comic. I told him I was interested in comedy. Basically, he helped me out. It went pretty good. You know, they didn’t laugh a lot, but they laughed enough. Enough for me to say, ‘Mm, maybe I can try this.’

SN: So you started with stand-up and you went to do TV?

D: I did. I had been doing stand-up for a while when I got on to “Chapelle’s Show”. That was, of course, a big deal and still is a big deal. People still watch it and I still get residual checks from it sometimes. So that was pretty good. Then I did “Def Comedy Jam” and “ComicView”. Currently, I’m on a new show called “Black Jesus”. I also did “Last Comic Standing”.

SN: Wow!

D: I was also in a Tyler Perry movie. This month I’ll be on Kevin Hart’s Black History Month special on the History Channel. So that’s pretty cool.

SN: Now what can people expect from the stand-up tour you’re currently on?

D: Laughter! We’re going to laugh and we’re going to talk about some of the things that are just going on in life in general. We’re going to have a good time.

SN: Have you performed in Philadelphia before?

D: I have. I’ve done the Liacouras Center. Is that Temple University? I’ve done that, I’ve done different clubs in Philadelphia. I’ve been there several times. I haven’t been there in a while. But I used to perform in Philly kinda regularly, at least once a year.

SN: What do you find is the funniest thing about Philadelphia?

D: (Laughs) I can’t say! I would probably say the Sixers! Nah, I’m just playing. I really don’t know. I can’t point out anything. But you do have the best cheesesteaks, I can say that. I’ve gotten them in my hometown. We have good ones here.

SN: Pshh…..good ones in D.C.?!

D: Yeah, we have good ones here. But you have the best.

SN: So you’re in Philly for three nights?

D: Three big nights! We’re going to have a good time.

SN: What else are you going to check out while you’re in town?

D: Probably the Liberty Bell. (Laughs) Probably ride around and hang out. I might catch a basketball game. I’m going to find me some good food. Where should I go?

SN: Do you like coffee?

D: Yes!

SN: Hmm…you have to check out La Colombe on Frankford Ave. I promise, I’m not being paid by them. They’re one of the best coffee places in the city.

D:  All right, I’ll check it out.

SN: So I keep reading about how forward your comedy is and how raw your style is. Do you think Philadelphia is ready for it?

D: Absolutely. I think the whole world and country are ready.

SN: Because, you know, we’re the City of Brotherly Love, but we’re also the city who pelted snowballs at Santa Claus.

D: (Laughs) I’ve definitely seen that.

SN: You say we’re expecting laughter, but is there anything specific we should expect at Punch Line?

D: See, now for that part of it you gotta buy a ticket! You got to see that part for yourself. All I’m going to tell you and as far as I’m going to go is: laughter. Come on out and laugh till your stomach hurts. Get some good food, get some drinks. We’re gonna have us a high old time.

Dominique will be bringing her comedy to Punch Line Philly at different times for a total of five shows during Feb. 17-19. Tickets can be purchased on punchlinephilly.com/dominique. •