Comedian Gary Owen expresses positive outlook for Shreveport’s future

August 21, 2024

Renowned comedian Gary Owen expressed his optimism for the future of Shreveport during a recent episode of his podcast, Get Some with Gary Owen.

Owen is known for his headlining acts on BET, multiple television roles, and extensive film credits. Owen performed during the Big Bowl Comedy Show of Humor & Harmony Weekend.

“The guy is about to put Shreveport on the map. There’s gonna be a Ritz-Carlton there in less than five years or the equivalent,” Owen said. “I wouldn’t be shocked if Shreveport’s about to have an influx of nice hotels, better casinos. Everything’s going to be upgraded.”

He acknowledged the similarities between Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s efforts to Tyler Perry’s but also highlighted the fact that Atlanta was already an established city before Perry’s studios came to town.

Gary Owen - Shreveport

“I’ve just never seen one man take over the city like that. To go somewhere like Shreveport and just take it over, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone do that,” he shared. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It was 50 Land, basically. It was something to see. You had to be there.”

Owen applauded the multiple events 50 held throughout the city including 50 Fit, an inflatable jungle gym and obstacle course setup in Festival Plaza, the G-Dome, and more.

Humor & Harmony saw sold-out events, the closure of the Red River District and the G-Dome due to max capacity, as well as a large economic impact to the local community.

While actual numbers are still being calculated, it’s estimated the festival had an economic impact of about $6 million. Many businesses, including Cassandra’s on the River, recorded a record weekend. The owner of Cassandra’s, located in the Red River District, shared the weekend was their best in 25 years.

50 Cent has already begun preparing for Humor & Harmony 2025. We’re told the mogul is considering October for next year’s events and it’s sure to be even bigger.

Photos courtesy of Live Nation.