Dining Services won't be the only place Ball State University gets its tater salad tonight.
Comedian Ron White will make his way to the Emens Auditorium stage at 7:30 p.m. to deliver his brand of insightful and somewhat blunt humor to students, staff and other visitors.
"The market research we've done on campus led us to know that this was an act that a significant number of students on campus would like to see," Emens Auditorium Director Robert Myers said. "He's a favorite of many, not only on campus but in the area. People will say anecdotally that he was their favorite on the 'Blue Collar Comedy Tour.'"
Much of White's recent success can be attributed to his appearances alongside comedians Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy on stage and screen as a part of the "Blue Collar Comedy Tour" and "Blue Collar Comedy Tour Rides Again." Both Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy have performed at Emens Auditorium since the film's release.
For those unfamiliar with White's comedy, the nickname "Tater Salad" was popularized by a joke he uses in his act in the "Blue Collar Comedy Tour" involving his arrest for being "drunk in public."
White has become so identifiable by the joke that "Tater Salad" logos grace much of his merchandise and his Web site, tatersalad.com.
Like many others, Sophomore elementary education major Kyle Bell first saw White in the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. Now he is gearing up for his first opportunity to see the comedian's act live.
"I saw the first and second Blue Collar Comedy Tour, and then I got his DVD," Bell said. "I really enjoyed his work so I pursued more of it. That's how I was drawn in. It's got the good ol' boy reputation, and I'm kind of a southern boy myself. I enjoy the redneck attitude and the southern roots that they have."
In the course of his 20-year career White has released the album "Drunk In Public," which has spent 53 weeks on the Billboard comedy chart, a DVD of the same name which has sold more than 400,000 copies, and has appeared on various television shows and at comedy festivals nationwide. White also appeared in two Comedy Central specials - one of which, the hour-long stand-up routine "They Call Me Tater Salad," attracted more than 3.3 million viewers and set the record for Comedy Central's Sunday ratings.
All of this exposure has led White to perform up to 120 shows a year, and according to the web site of his college and casino booking agency, Trust Point Talent, the majority of his shows over the last 18 months have sold out.
Bell points out that some of the draw may come from the experience of seeing a comedian live.
"Hearing people on a DVD or CD is a whole lot different than hearing them in person," Bell said. "I'm hoping he'll pull out some new stuff."
While Emens does not express an interest in booking one type of entertainer over another, Myers did say that it can be easier to book popular comedians due to their touring schedules and comedy's ability to transcend personal taste.
"We're able to get top name comedians," Myers said. "It's more difficult to secure a band. Bands are playing fewer dates in different market areas. Our community size, where we're located all play into the acts we book ... We had a preponderance of students for Dave Chappelle, so it depends on the performer."
Those unable to see White's performance tonight will have another chance October 29, when White takes the stage at Merrillville's Star Plaza Theatre.
Tickets for tonight's show are $33.75 for Ball State students and $38.75 for adults, with all orders subject to a $1 facility fee. Upper balcony tickets were still available at press time.
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