Comedian delivers punchline to SBU

As a self-declared "emotional vampire," comedian Jay Black gave the St. Bonaventure University student body an amazing performance filled with energy and fun Tuesday.His quick wit and interaction with the crowd had the audience begging for an encore and remaining in their seats in rapt attention even for the question-and-answer portion of the performance.

"The smaller crowds can be a challenge to perform in front of; it depends on the energy they bring," Black said, "but you guys came to laugh, and I'm a laugh whore; as long as you're laughing, I'll stay here."

For many in the audience, that would not have been a problem.

"I loved the show - Black was funny and intelligent," Kathryn Hawrylik, a freshman education major said. "He backed up his comedy act with real-life experiences that I and my friends could relate to."

"It is the puzzle of making someone laugh. What is the piece I need to put in your head to make you laugh, that is what is beautiful about what I do," Black said.

Black has been a comedian for five years and performed full time since January.

"I quit my job, signed a new mortgage and found out my wife was pregnant all in the same week. If you are a fan of stomach lining, don't go into comedy," Black said.

Black graduated from Trenton State College, now The College of New Jersey, in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in teaching. Black began teaching in a high school right after graduating at age 21.

"It's a great job if you don't like money or respect. But kids think you're an adult because you're a teacher. Those of you who are 21 know that when your 21, you don't know anything."

"To start out as a comedian, I had to go to many 'open mic' nights. You have to get on every stage if you want to be in this business. This is a learned skill just like anything else," Black said.

Black has invited St. Bonaventure's own Sean O'Shea to open for him next year if Black returns for another performance. O'Shea is a freshman philosophy major and expressed interest in playing guitar as Black's opening act.

"He was definitely the best comedian we have had perform, and I'm very excited for the opportunity to be his opening act," O'Shea said.

Moving toward bigger and better things, Black has caught the attention of some Hollywood bigwigs. Johnny Knoxville, a comedic personality, is looking over Black's screenplay for a future project. Black was unable to give more details about the screenplay.

This may be the next big break for the rising star as he tours the country until May, performing on hundreds of campuses.

Black hopes he will be able to meet his idols and fellow comedians Chris Rock and Greg Giraldo.

"Chris Rock is so good; he is a Michelangelo while I am a caricaturist. He is on a whole different level as I aspire to be as good as he is. As for Greg Giraldo, I must confess to a man-crush," Black admitted.

Black has adapted to the 21st century. He has a MySpace account where fans can request a free 45-minute CD of his act and may even be able to get free tickets to one of his comedy acts.

"This show is about putting you in a good mood. All that I ask is that you take it and put it in your pocket, because the world is full of evil s***- most of it in your head.