World famous and award-winning comic Ralphie May brings his highly-anticipated comedic performance to Chumash Auditorium tonight.
“I definitely think that this will be one of our more higher attended comedians of the year,” Associated Students Inc. Program Coordinator Michelle Curro said.
May, who got his big break as runner-up for “Last Comic Standing” in 2004, is possibly the most accomplished performer to ever come to Cal Poly. May has produced three hour-long Comedy Central specials including Girth of a Nation, Prime Cut and Austin-tatious.
The buzz around campus has been big leading up to today and that excitement is felt by the staff who put it together.
“(We wanted) name recognition that would be seen throughout campus” recreation administration junior and ASI Special Events Coordinator Dana Matteson said. “I feel like the event is going to be a success.”
The selection process for picking a comic is a long one and the staff here at Cal Poly went through a lot of research in terms of watching YouTube, Saturday Night Live and late night talk shows.
“We have a group of students that get together every quarter…and their sole job is to do research on up and coming entertainment that they feel would be a good fit for Cal Poly students,” Curro said. “It’s completely student driven.”
The staff of ASI started doing research on May and other possible comics in January. “They go out and immerse themselves in pop culture by talking to students, doing surveys and other events,” Curro said.
After the research is done, the student-led team submits their top selections for artists they want to see come perform. May and Justin Blue are the two comics that were approved. Both will be performing this month.
May’s southern drawl adds to his observational style of comedy, which covers pop culture issues and sometimes is controversial. His first CD “Just Correct” went platinum in 2004 as May went on a one-man mission not to be “politically correct.”
The staff that invited May is aware of the possible offensive nature of his jokes and urges students to research him before coming tonight.
“I think every comedian has their niche as far as what their jokes are in reference too,” Curro said referencing May’s no holds barred comedic style.
“I always suggest looking (the comedian) up on YouTube and doing a little bit of research for yourself to see if this is a type of comedian that you find funny.”
Still, she seemed sure that students would show up for the event.
“With all the events (that we put on), you can’t appease (everyone),” Matteson said. “People can make their own decisions whether (or not) to come to the event.”
Ralphie May performs tonight at 8 p.m. in Chumash Auditorium. Blue, who was the winner NBC’s season four of Last Comic Standing will also perform there on Thursday, May 21.
Both performances are open to the public and free with a PolyCard. Admission is $10 without.