JOSH BLUE RETURNS TO RENO TO BENEFIT HSI (7/12/2007)
Reno, Nev. - Back by popular demand, comedian Josh Blue, the 2006 winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing, will return to Reno with his witty and hilarious act to benefit HSI (High Sierra Industries). Blue will perform at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nev. on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. Fellow comedian Clinton Jackson will be the opening act for Blue.
Tickets go on sale on July 27 and can be purchased by calling the Grand Sierra Resort ticket box office at 1-800-648-3568. Tickets are $45, $35 and $25 each. Group discounts are being offered with 10 percent off the purchase of 20 or more tickets.
Following his win on NBC's Last Comic Standing, Blue, has rapidly ascended to elite status as one of America's top comedians. Possessing what a fellow LSC competitor described as "an unreasonable amount of likeability" coupled with impeccable comedic timing; Blue has developed a massive fan base. Blue's performances are typically to sold-out crowds with standing ovations at some of the country's most prestigious venues.
"We are very excited to bring Josh back to Reno," said LaVonne Brooks, CEO and executive director of HSI. "Josh's success is a great example of focusing on what people with disabilities can achieve and that all of us have challenges, it's just a matter of degree."
Prior to his Last Comic win, Blue appeared as a guest star on Comedy Central's Mind of Mencia and was featured on Fox, CBS, ABC, and MSNBC. He has since become the first comedian to perform stand-up on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, was named Best Winning Reality Show Guest for his appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly, and made a standout appearance on Comics Unleashed. He also started his own production company, "How about Now Video Productions," which produced and distributed his debut DVD, "7 More Days in the Tank." as well as his half-hour comedy special for the Bravo Network. He became the first comic to debut his stand-up special on the big screen when "7 More Days in the Tank" was shown in theatres across the country prior to release. Josh is also a repeat guest on such nationally syndicated radio shows as NPR's Talk of the Nation and The Mancow Show. Despite his hectic touring schedule, Blue maintains an active role on the U.S. Paralympic Soccer Team and he competed in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. "Josh possesses the rare ability to motivate, inspire, and entertain, while never losing sight of the primary objective of making people laugh," said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. "Not only is Josh Blue America's funniest comedian, he's breaking down barriers for people with disabilities. He has shown millions of Americans that people with disabilities can live without limits."
About HSI
HSI is a non-profit organization established in 1977 to serve people with disabilities in northern Nevada. HSI provides a variety of meaningful work, learning and supported living opportunities for more than 190 people with disabilities. In addition to providing employment opportunities in the light manufacturing industry, HSI also encourages the people they serve to become self-sufficient and independent, by delivering the best training and development services available. HSI is recognized by local, statewide and national organizations for the service it provides to people with disabilities as well as excellence in manufacturing operations.