Laughter was in the air last night as comedian Kivi Rogers took the stage at 9:09 in a packed Watkins Auditorium. Rogers is from Los Angeles. He earned a degree in computer electronics, and started out as a regular blue-collar worker. Through the persuasion of friends and family members, Rogers tried his comedy act on stage. He ended up winning his first competition. This led to many more and soon he was on his way to the top of the comedy circuit.
He showcased at the HBO Aspen Comedy Festival and has been on his way up the ladder since. Rogers was nominated as the 1998 comedian of the year at the National Association of Campus Activities. Through CastleRock Entertainment he landed the spot starring in his own sitcom.
His recent television appearances include The West Wing, Dharma and Greg, Everybody loves Raymond and Def Comedy Jam.
Rogers started his show last night by saying that people these days are too worried about what not to say, such as racial jokes.
“If it is funny, say it. There is nothing harmful about making people laugh,” he said. His comedy routine was centered on racial and gender jokes. His jokes ranged from topics such as gay people, restroom manners, sex, music and dancing to jokes about people such as Jerry Springer and Janet Jackson. Rogers made references to singers such as Justin Timberlake, Jeffery Osborne, Lionel Richie, Keith Sweat and Aaron Neville. The audience members were laughing hysterically as he told jokes about the elderly, Taco Bell, Saudi Arabia, American Idol, airports and things everyonedid as kids.
The crowd pleaser was a joke about childhood. Rogers made references to Nintendos by saying, “the original was the best.” He joked about Duck Hunter and Super Mario Brothers, which took everyone back to the good ole’ days.
One student said that Rogers is the best comedian he has heard in years. He said that he laughed the entire time.
“His language was rough at times, but we are in college and should be able to handle it. He was hilarious and made us remember some of the funny things we have all done when we were young,” said another student. “His impersonations of people are wonderful and hilarious. I am so glad I came because that man is a great comedian. I did not see one person who was not laughing,” said Lacy Hipps, a freshman from Memphis. “I personally thought that his impression of Aaron Neville’s song that runs on cotton commercials was the best impression I have ever heard. He is a great comedian and can impersonate just about anyone.” Toward the end of his act, Rogers said, “Life is too short to worry about other people’s problems. Live and let live.”
This quote sums up his entire show. He said what he wanted to say and had everyone in attendance laughing with him.
The “909” comedy series is hosted by the Student Activities Council. SAC provides most of the programming on the UTM campus. This group searches for activities such as comedians, guest speakers, concerts and other forms of entertainment for the student body to enjoy.