 "Photo:")
As finals week approaches, most students are finding very little to laugh about. But this Thursday, ASP's Free Pizza Comedy Series hosts a night with comedian Joe Klocek, self-proclaimed look alike to "heroin addict David Spade."
Klocek's name may not sound as familiar as Louis C.K. or Chris Rock, but he provides quick-witted comedy that is always fresh and always relevant. His resumé includes being a finalist in the Seattle Comedy Competition, an appearance on Comedy Central's "Live at Gotham" and the creation of the San Francisco-based game show "Punch Lines, Get It?!"
As impressive as these accomplishments are, Klocek said that the best things about being in comedy are found in every performance.
"It was cool being on Comedy Central," he said. "But it's the little things, like getting a joke to work or finding a way to make a subject funny."
These moments are in adequate supply for Klocek, who is definitely a good sport on stage. However, he says that the most difficult thing about being a comic is the loneliness on the road.
"The hardest things are not the bad shows or drunk hecklers or the large guy you made fun of waiting for me outside," he said. "It can be very lonely constantly hanging out in airports or towns you know nothing about. The comics that are mentally balanced are the ones that can handle all that solitude."
Now an official San Francisco resident, many of his gigs are at venues around the Bay Area. He is used to diverse audiences and especially looks forward to young adults.
"I like college shows," said Klocek. "They tend to be a curious mix of smart and dirty."
On stage, Klocek usually finds ample opportunities to incorporate his audience, engaging the entire room and sometimes picking out (or on) specific audience members-but he always remains the center of attention.
"I remember watching 'The Tonight Show,' standing outside my parents' room listening to the jokes and not getting them. But I could see my parents' attention was on the performer," he said. "I liked that."
Growing up, Klocek never intended to be a comic, but once he got started, there was no other option.
"I don't know where I would be headed if I didn't get into comedy," he said. "It's not too dramatic to say it saved my life. Stand-up allows me to have fun, seem smart and meet women."
Klocek does not just "seem" smart, however. His quick improvisation helps him deliver witty commentary with apparent ease.
"When comedy goes right, it is the best high," said Klocek. If what is good for the performer is good for the audience, then students are in for a night of guaranteed laughs and pre-finals stress release.
Joe Klocek will appear in the Pub at the Student Union on Thursday, May 14 at 8 p.m. Admission is free.
Be the first to comment on this article!