Students take a ride on the Comedy Caravan

Kevin Burke is no ordinary comic.\nWhile he may begin with political and marriage jokes, he transforms himself into a "psychic comic," a talent which he presented to an audience of about 30 people Saturday evening in the Market area of the Indiana Memorial Union. \nSaturday marked the second semester premiere of Comedy Caravan, the free comedy show hosted by the Union Board the first Friday of each month. This week's performance also featured comedians Tom Mabe and Matt Holt. \nBurke won the America's Funniest People award on ABC and appeared on major networks such as MTV, Comedy Central and even NBC's "Oprah" show. \nHis routine begins with jokes about his desire to run for Senate, personal dating and marriage tips as well as a variety of quips that keep the audience rolling. \nHe then transforms himself into the "psychic comic" at the end of his act. The audience is finally able to become a part of his hilarious act. Claiming to read minds, Burke performs card tricks and "gets in touch" with the spirit world. He nails every trick, guessing the name of a dead movie star taken out of a plastic bag or the card an audience member picked from the pack. Burke also adds a little improv to his act. \n"My material comes from my own sick and twisted imagination, and performing (at a college) gives me a chance to speak to a brighter, more interested audience," Burke said.\nHe began performing in Chicago and is now involved in a cross-country tour. His stop at IU gave him a chance to perform his material to a predominately college audience.\n"I really enjoyed the show. Most of the jokes were funny and entertaining," freshman Chris Hurst said. \nBurke graduated from IU with a degree from the Theatre and Drama department. As a student and resident assistant in Read Center, Burke took the role as Pseudolus in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."\nAfter he graduated, Burke became a member of the Barnum and Bailey Circus, and he eventually took the material he developed during his years at the circus and tried his hand at stand up comedy. He has been involved in stand up for the past 16 years. \n"Comedy gets you the highest paycheck for not being famous," Burke said. \nSeeing Burke perform was also an opportunity for students to enjoy themselves in an alcohol-free environment.\n"It was good to have something extra to do on a Friday night," freshman Eric Brengle said. "It is nice to have this sort of artistic outlet on campus."\nEvery Comedy Caravan event at the Union is free, and refreshments are provided at no cost. \nBurke said he hopes to come back soon.\n"I know I have something funny to say," Burke said, "and I cannot wait to say it"