Lewis Black is frustrated. It is the frustration that is the basis for his unique brand of political humor that has become recognizable around the world. Whether ranting about the state of the country and the ineffectiveness of the political system on The Daily Show, one of his HBO or Comedy Central specials or a show he hosted called The Root of all Evil, his tone and screaming comedic style makes him sound angry, and somehow that makes it even funnier.
His stand-up career started more than 20 years ago when he took his experience as an emcee at a theatre in New York, transitioning into the world of comedy. Black, who considers himself a pragmatist, is an equal opportunity comic, as he does not relate with the Democratic or the Republican Party.
“If the conservatives are in charge, they get to guide what’s going to be going on,” Black said. “They get 60 percent of what goes into the bill and the other people get 40 percent. When it’s switched, it’s the other way. What they’re supposed to do is negotiate. They’re supposed to do their job. They’re not supposed to be running for office on a perpetual basis.”
Black, who will be visiting the Wharton Center this month, knows quite a few Michigan natives and even has political opinions of Michigan as he has done lots of touring here. His opening act, John Bowman, grew up in Howard City before moving to Lansing and eventually New York.
“Every time I turn around someone is from Michigan. I like it [there]. I think you’re getting [explicit]. It’s truly disgusting.” He joked. “I don’t think anyone’s paid proper attention to Detroit. If this is the future, we’re [explicit]. Either this is the beginning, or it’s the end. Somebody better pay close attention to what’s happened here.”
You can check out Black’s latest comedy special Stark Raving Black online at epixhd.com. It will air on Comedy Central in May, and Black is anticipating a comedy CD and DVD to be released sometime in the summer. He’s hoping to have an additional release by the end of 2010 as well, and says he’s working on another book. The subject is Christmas, but we’re sure not even the holiday spirit can calm Black’s frustrations.
Lewis Black
Wharton Center, Lansing
Feb. 13, 8 p.m.
$35.00 - $52.50
whartoncenter.com, (517) 353-1982
