Rickey Smiley Birthday Beach Blowout is headed to Daytona Beach: What you need to know

Nationally known comedian, actor and radio host Rickey Smiley is bringing his annual “Rickey Smiley Birthday Beach Blowout” to the World’s Most Famous Beach for a three-day celebration Aug. 11-13 at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.

Powered by a mix of comedy, commentary and material that includes his popular series of prank phone calls, Smiley broadcasts his nationally syndicated “Rickey Smiley Morning Show” out of its flagship affiliate WHTA "Hot 107.9" in Atlanta.

The three-day event offers a mix of relaxation, celebration and inspiration, according to the show’s official website rickeysmileymorningshow.com. The schedule at the Hilton features an opening-night Rickey Smiley & Friends comedy show, a Rickey Smiley Birthday Pool Party with live music and special guests, and a Sunday morning inspirational brunch.

Here’s what you need to know about Rickey Smiley and more details about the Daytona Beach event:

A comedy career opened other doors

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Smiley gained his first show business notoriety as a stand-up comedian, starring as host of the 2000 season of BET's “ComicView.”

That was part of a busy slate of TV and club appearances that included “Showtime at the Apollo,” HBO's “Def Comedy Jam” and HBO's “Snaps,” as well as sets on The Nashville Network. On stage, his material often revolved around outrageous characters such as Granny Swims, Lil' Daryl, Rusty Dale and Beauford.

He started his radio career as a morning host on urban format KBFB in Dallas in April 2004. There, he expanded his character work in the service of prank calls that have become one of his signature routines.

Florida bucket list: 65 fun things to do, places to visit from the Keys to the Panhandle

Along the way, Smiley also made the transition to movies, with roles in the Ice Cube comedy “Friday After Next” (2002); “First Sunday” (2008); and “Baggage Claim” (2013). He also has starred in TV projects, including the 2015 reality show “Rickey Smiley For Real” on TVOne.

On a less jovial note, Smiley was in the news earlier this year after his 32-year-old son, Brandon, was found dead in his Birmingham apartment in January. On NBC's “Today” show, Smiley later attributed his son’s death to a drug overdose.

What's the Birthday Beach Blowout all about?

The plans are pretty simple, according to the promotional video on Smiley’s website:

“Are you ready to hang out at the beach, sing you favorite R&B song at karaoke night and laugh all weekend long?” asks the video’s highly caffeinated narrator.

“I know ya’ll need this getaway,” Smiley adds.

How much does it cost?

Weekend packages start at $859, according to the website. Four of the more expensive upper-tier packages are already sold-out, so don’t wait to check it out if you’re interested.

Are kids welcome at the event?

In answering that question on the website, “Rickey says, Absolutely NOT!” No minors are permitted at event activities.

Where can I find more information?

Visit rickeysmileymorningshow.com for details and booking information.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Rickey Smiley Birthday Beach Blowout headed to Daytona Beach