"Lord, I apologize."
These words come directly from the mouth of a large, bearded man who classifies himself as a redneck. Usually a derogatory term; this man embraces it. Almost always seen with his cap and his pickup truck, Larry the Cable Guy attracts people nation-wide to his shows. This Saturday, he's coming to Emens Auditorium to perform a night of comedy.
Most known for his association with the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Larry the Cable Guy cracks jokes on anything from rednecks to racism. He claims to hate political correctness and all the terms that go with it. Yet despite all the one-liners, Larry doesn't mean any harm.
"Lord, I apologize."
Larry had a Christian upbringing on a pig-farm in Pawnee City, Nebraska. Born Dan Whitney, Larry the Cable Guy began his comedic career as a stand-up comic in 1986. When audiences fell in love with his slow pacing and easy-going style, Larry hit television. It wasn't, though, until he gained national exposure on the syndicated Bob and Tom radio show that Larry really made it big. His popularity landed him a spot on Jeff Foxworthy's Country Countdown show. Eventually, Foxworthy, Larry, and Bill Engvall started the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, which has successfully traveled the country and produced two DVD's. Larry has also come out with a debut CD, "Lord I apologize" and a solo DVD "Git R Done." His CD stuck in the top 20 of comedy charts for two years.
Emens Director Robert Myers sensed Ball State had a demand for the Blue Collar Comedy tour personalities when Bill Engvall sold out this past November. Engvall has been to Emens Auditorium as has Jeff Foxworthy, but Larry the Cable Guy, has not.
"Some research revealed that Larry appealed not only to the community, but to BSU students as well," Myers said.
Myers contracted Larry to perform because he seemed to be on the minds of certain segments of the population. Although his is a popular act, Larry did not cost Emens more than other productions have in the past.
"We had an opportunity to present a contemporary comedian that is enjoying substantial popularity currently," Myers said. "This is not a high ticket price for us."
The Blue Collar Comedy Tour, though, was out of reach. The group toured only to a select number of cities together and Emens could not afford them at once. Still, many students and members of the community are coming. The show has currently reached single-seating status.
"I think he's funny," Elise Szany said. "He acts so stupid, like he doesn't know what's going on, but you know deep down he's a genius."
Tickets are going fast for both the 5:00 and the 8:00 on Saturday. They can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the door. As Larry the Cable Guy would say,
"Git R Done."
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