Bust-A-Gut event starts funny fest weekend

John Seiler/Sun Star Reporter

Chris Porter, the comedic finalist on season 4 of “Last Comic Standing”, makes an appearance at the UAF Hess Rec on Jan 24, 2013. David Spindler/Sun Star

January 29, 2013

The 13th annual Funny Fest event began  last weekend with  comedian Chris Porter performing in the Hess Recreation Center on Wednesday night to a crowd of around 40 students. Alaska Comedy Troop and UAF’s Student Activities Office charged $5 for the student event.

Earning fame from his appearances from Comedy Central Presents and Last Comic Standing, Porter brought his brand of crass style of comedy, Porter talked about what he likes about performing at Colleges. “What’s cool about the college crowds is that they’re sober, in a lot of ways its better because I don’t have to explain a lot of Facebook stuff or any of those things, they’re very comfortable with that.”

Despite this being  Porter’s fourth visit to Alaska, this was the first show that Porter performed during the  winter. “Being able to walk to places was super nice as opposed to now, where you have to get in to some sort of astronaut suit.”

Former UAF student, Raj Huseine, performed a small set before  Porter took the stage. Now residing in the lower 48, Huseine visits Fairbanks once a year specifily to perform in the Fairbanks Funny Fest.

The Fairbanks Funny Fest is a four-day workshop that gives young comics a chance to work on their routines. Local comic veterans Jerry Evans and Glenner Anderson host the event.  Throughout the workshop, young comics come up with a 3 to 5 minute routine to perform live on stage at The Blue Loon Friday and Saturday night. Before the big show, Evans, Glenner and Porter help re-tool the young comics’ routine and taught them how to become better comics.

“Every comedian is different. Porter is more direct with his criticism while Jerry and Glenner want to make sure your have a good time and that you’re learning,” said UAF Student Erik Hernandez who is participating in his third Fairbanks Funny Fest, and is also his first year participating in the 21 and over division.

In the following months, Alaska Comedy Troop and SAO will alternate between months for locations of future comedy events. The next Bust-A-Gut event will be taking place in February in The UAF Pub with Jimmy Schubert.

Posted by John Seiler on Jan 29 2013. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.