Best host/emcee/speaker EVER

Lawrence “Binkey” Tolefree
Award-Winning Host, Emcee, Entertainer & Creative Curator

When you want a host who can make any crowd feel like family, look no further than Lawrence “Binkey” Tolefree!
A Chicago-based multi-hyphenate creative whose charisma, heart, and quick wit light up every stage he steps on. Whether he’s commanding the mic at a wedding, guiding a corporate gala, or leading a baby shower filled with laughter and love, Binkey brings energy, grace, and connection to every moment.

A Showtime at the Apollo winner, MGD Freestyle Champion, Write Club Essay Champion, and 3Arts Award nominee, Binkey blends professionalism with pure joy. His secret? He doesn’t just host an event he curates an experience. With over 20 years of experience as an entertainer, educator, mentor, and motivational speaker, Binkey has mastered the art of reading a room, engaging diverse audiences, and turning any occasion into an unforgettable celebration.

🌟 Hosting Expertise

From intimate gatherings to large-scale productions, Binkey has done it all and he does it with intention and heart. His hosting style is warm, witty, and inclusive, making guests feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

Popular bookings include:
• Baby Showers (including for all five of his sisters, I’m practically a professional uncle!)
• Weddings & Receptions
• Corporate Galas & Fundraisers
• Award Ceremonies
• Festivals & Concerts
• Game Nights & Live Shows
• Open Mics, Talent Showcases & Poetry Slams
• Panel Discussions, Conferences & Motivational Events

Clients describe him as “the calm in the chaos,” “a natural leader with magnetic energy,” and “someone who makes you laugh, cry, and celebrate all in the same night.”

💕 Baby Showers & Family Celebrations

Few hosts bring the kind of genuine love and tenderness that Binkey brings to a baby shower. Having hosted countless family events! Including each of his five sisters’ showers, he knows exactly how to balance heartfelt moments with lively fun. Expect:
• Warm welcomes and thoughtful introductions
• Fun, creative games that keep guests engaged
• Smooth transitions between gift-opening, meals, and special moments
• Beautiful toasts and tributes for parents-to-be
• A joyful, stress-free atmosphere where everyone feels included

As Binkey often says: “Every baby shower deserves to feel like a preview of the love that child will receive their whole life.”

🎤 Entertainment & Performance Background

Beyond hosting, Binkey is a poet, beatboxer, singer, and writer, known for his ability to weave storytelling, rhythm, and humor into his performances. He’s performed and spoken across the country and internationally, uplifting audiences with his messages of creativity, healing, and community.

He’s also the founder and curator of Art Therapy — a Chicago-based event series blending live music, visual art, clay play, mindfulness, and open-mic healing circles. The series has become a local favorite for artists and audiences seeking connection through creativity.

His creative range allows him to adapt his hosting tone to any environment:
• Professional and polished for corporate events
• Heartfelt and personable for family gatherings
• Electric and spontaneous for concerts and nightlife events
• Reflective and inspiring for healing-focused or motivational engagements

💬 Public Speaking & Motivational Engagements

As a seasoned keynote speaker and mentor, Binkey draws from over two decades of experience in education, counseling, and community outreach. His talks explore themes of healing through art, resilience, love, identity, and joy.

He has presented for schools, nonprofits, and conferences nationwide, including science education summits, youth development programs, and cultural organizations across Chicago and beyond. His storytelling style merges humor, humility, and authenticity, leaving listeners inspired and grounded.

🏆 Awards & Recognition
• Showtime at the Apollo Winner
• MGD Freestyle Champion
• Write Club Essay Champion
• 3Arts Award Nominee
• Founder & Curator of “Art Therapy”
• Community Leader & Healing Arts Advocate

🎬 Media & Hosting Projects

Binkey is currently developing a Chicago-based talk show, “Late Night with Binkey,” a mix of Arsenio Hall’s energy and Seth Meyers’ insight, celebrating culture, conversation, and creativity. Each episode highlights artists, change-makers, and community leaders, continuing his lifelong mission to use entertainment as a tool for healing and connection.

💫 What Sets Binkey Apart

✅ Professionalism with Personality: Punctual, organized, and collaborative — yet always full of laughter and light.
✅ Versatility: Can adapt tone, style, and pacing to fit any event or audience.
✅ Emotional Intelligence: Knows how to read a room and make people feel comfortable instantly.
✅ Community Focus: Every event, whether a private party or public festival, is rooted in love, humanity, and care.
✅ Authenticity: What you see is what you get — genuine joy and presence every single time.

💬 Client Praise

“Binkey doesn’t just host an event — he transforms it. The energy he brings is unmatched.”
— Urban Juncture Chicago

“He kept the whole crowd laughing, dancing, and connecting. He makes everyone feel like family.”
— Baby Shower Client, Hyde Park

“Professional, funny, and soulful exactly what our company event needed.”
— Corporate Client, Downtown Chicago

🕊 Booking & Contact

If you’re looking for a host who can bring warmth, laughter, connection, and class to your event — from a baby shower to a black-tie gala — Lawrence “Binkey” Tolefree is your guy.

Available for:
• Baby Showers
• Weddings
• Private Parties
• Corporate Events
• Festivals
• Fundraisers
• Keynote Speaking
• Live Music & Art Events

📍 Based in Chicago, IL
✈️ Available for travel nationwide
💻 Virtual hosting available

Let’s create something unforgettable.