A political rebel and a youthful raunchy guitarist. Some may think of this as a skit on Saturday Night Live or a coming-of-age tale where two seemingly opposite friends find out that they are not so different after all.
In fact it was just stand-up comedy.
On Oct. 23, upstate New York was left in stitches as Lewis Black, most notably of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” and Stephen Lynch, a performer on radio’s “Opie and Anthony,” took over SUNY Binghamton.
Knowing both comedians well and their brand of humor, I was skeptical as to how two opposing types of comedy would fare in one performance. In the end, I was more than impressed.
Lynch took the stage first, as he is clearly the newcomer of the two. Lynch is known for putting his musical talents of singing and guitar playing into writing a mastery of hilarious and often controversial lyrics. The crowd of mainly college students, had great recognition of his comedy songs. These included a riotous “Superhero” and a highly controversial and borderline offensive, “The Nazi Song.” His new album, “The Craig Machine,” is sure to be his biggest hit. In his short time on the circuit, he has already gained a great following.
Then political pessimist Black took the stage to AC/DC’s “Back in Black.”
The crowd’s enthusiasm from Lynch carried well over into the standing ovation as Black begun his routine. His act consisted of discussing a range of topics from religion to politics to college and parents. Though he is critical of the current administration, he took no party lines. He hates everyone equally.
What was perhaps the most underrated aspect of his show was that amidst the humor, satire and sarcasm was some true-to-life advice.
“You aren’t supposed to be young republicans or young democrats. You are just supposed to be young,” Black said. It was an unexpected, but completely appropriate, statement.
At the end of his set he even took a moment to stay on the stage and give a few parting words of advice.
“This is your time, your lives, not your parents’, not your teachers’, nobody, but yours,” he said. “Make it yours.”
His sincerity and inspirational words gained just as much appeal as his funniest joke about performing for Congress and Vice President Dick Cheney.
Black’s most recent CD release, “Live at Luther Burbank Performing Arts Center,” was a huge success as well and followed up his highly touted “Rules of Enragement.” Definitely two worthy purchases.
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