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Political satirist Mark Russell to perform Oct. 5
9/18/2008 - Mark Russell, a comedian and musician whose career has centered on skewering U.S. politics and politicians, will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, in the Fine and Performing Arts Center on the campus of Western Carolina University. 
This performance by the “king of political satire,” just in time for the presidential election, is part of WCU’s 2008-09 Galaxy of Stars Series.
Russell’s performances include topical stand-up comedy and parodies of news stories set to the tunes of standards, with Russell (at right) accompanying himself on piano. A resident of Washington, he keeps his material fresh by regularly updating it according to the day’s news. Calling himself “impartial,” some of Russell’s recent observations have included, “I must confess that I thought the Bush Doctrine meant attacking countries that start with a vowel,” and “So, is the financial crisis over? Not if the presidential candidates have anything to do with it.”
As a young man, Russell began performing his original songs in Capitol Hill bars after a stint in the Marine Corps. A run at the Shoreham Hotel was so successful it lasted 20 years, with politicians dropping in to hear Russell lampoon them. He found a national audience with a series of comedy albums during the Watergate era.
For 25 years, Russell has performed comedy specials on the Public Broadcasting Service, and for nearly two decades he appeared annually on “Meet the Press” with Tim Russert. TV Guide has called him “the funniest man on television.” He also authors a nationally syndicated column, and has been a commentator on CNN.
Individual ticket prices are $25 for adults; $20 for senior citizens (60 years and older); $20 for WCU faculty and staff; $5 for students; and $15 per person for groups of 15 or more. To purchase tickets, visit the FAPAC box office, call the box office at (828) 227-2479 for Visa and MasterCard orders. To order tickets online, go to https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/team.asp?SponsorID=1678.
Maintained by the Office of Public Relations.
Last modified Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008.
This performance by the “king of political satire,” just in time for the presidential election, is part of WCU’s 2008-09 Galaxy of Stars Series.
Russell’s performances include topical stand-up comedy and parodies of news stories set to the tunes of standards, with Russell (at right) accompanying himself on piano. A resident of Washington, he keeps his material fresh by regularly updating it according to the day’s news. Calling himself “impartial,” some of Russell’s recent observations have included, “I must confess that I thought the Bush Doctrine meant attacking countries that start with a vowel,” and “So, is the financial crisis over? Not if the presidential candidates have anything to do with it.”
As a young man, Russell began performing his original songs in Capitol Hill bars after a stint in the Marine Corps. A run at the Shoreham Hotel was so successful it lasted 20 years, with politicians dropping in to hear Russell lampoon them. He found a national audience with a series of comedy albums during the Watergate era.
For 25 years, Russell has performed comedy specials on the Public Broadcasting Service, and for nearly two decades he appeared annually on “Meet the Press” with Tim Russert. TV Guide has called him “the funniest man on television.” He also authors a nationally syndicated column, and has been a commentator on CNN.
Individual ticket prices are $25 for adults; $20 for senior citizens (60 years and older); $20 for WCU faculty and staff; $5 for students; and $15 per person for groups of 15 or more. To purchase tickets, visit the FAPAC box office, call the box office at (828) 227-2479 for Visa and MasterCard orders. To order tickets online, go to https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/team.asp?SponsorID=1678.
Maintained by the Office of Public Relations.
Last modified Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008.