Lewis Black will be ‘Running on Empty’ at WVU

Renowned comedic mastermind Lewis Black is returning to Morgantown Sunday at 8:30 p.m.

Black will perform his notoriously abrasive stand-up routine at the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center as a stop on his current "Running on Empty" tour.

This is Black’s third time performing in Morgantown, and the crowd have always been great for his shows.

"It’s terrific. You got people who can get through a paragraph without fainting," Black said on his return to WVU.

"Morgantown gets nicer and nicer and nicer. That’s one of the things people seem to miss the point of ... (people) are going nuts around the whole country, while there are cities around the country in the past 20 years that have gone from being marginal around the edge and have come into their own, and Morgantown’s one of them," Black said.

With millions of followers and a nationwide fan base, Lewis is best known for his long-running "Back in Black" segment, featured on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart."

These bits include his original, witty and hilarious views wrapped in political and social rants.

"We’ve known each other for a lot of 30 years, it’s nice to work with him (Stewart). I’m on a great show, how lucky am I," Black said about his work on ‘The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.’

Dave Ryan, WVU Arts and Entertainment public relations specialist, said with the election heating up, the timing for Black’s return to Morgantown could not be better.

"He’s always a hit with audiences because of his hilarious views of the world," Ryan said. "We’re thrilled to have him come back to the Creative Arts Center and give Morgantown another great show."

Black’s unique style of ranting satire leaves no topic off limits, and it frequently touches on current events, politics and pop culture.

Appealing to a wide range of audiences, including celebrities and television personalities, Black expresses his love–hate relationship with American culture in a straightforward and brilliantly funny line of attack.

By combining sarcasm with profanity and passionate fist-shaking anger, Black releases his fury and leaves audiences roaring with laughter.

"Anyone familiar with Lewis Black knows his brand of comedy – lively, hilarious and with a tinge of rage," Ryan said. "His brand of delivery has earned a lot of awards and a reputation as one of the biggest touring comedians today."

The multitalented comic has been featured in numerous recognizable roles and stand-up productions.

Black played the Dean in the 2006 college comedy "Accepted," and he currently serves as the voice for Ricky Owens on "Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated."

He was voted No. 51 of the 100 Greatest Stand-up Comedians of All Time by Comedy Central in 2004 and has released specials on HBO, including "Black on Broadway" and his most recent 2010 production "Stark Raving Black." Additionally, he has released three books and 10 live (concert) performances.

"Lewis Black is popular with anyone who can appreciate a good laugh," Ryan sad. "He is certainly proving to be a comedy force to be reckoned with."

Tickets are on sale now at the CAC and Mountainlair box offices, ranging from $42-$67 for the general public.

All student tickets are $28 with a valid WVU student I.D.

Tickets can also be purchased from www.ticketmaser.com or by phone at 304-293-SHOW.