Comedy? Check. Music? Check. Interpretive dance moves? Check. Bo Burnham has what it takes to bring the house down for next year’s Little 500 concert.
We’ve had plenty of musicians in the past. It’s time to hear some damn jokes.
We’ve seen his talent in shows like “what.” on Netflix. With songs ranging from “Words, Words, Words” to “#Deep,” Bo Burnham has proved countless times you can make people laugh with complex lyrics and ?satirical raps.
Performers like Tuesday’s Big Sean are fine and all, but it’s a little hard to go all out at a rap concert at a theater venue. Ever tried to dougie in a theater seat? It doesn’t end well. Want to rave to Calvin Harris? Don’t think you can do that in a balcony seat. Thinking about standing there with your arms crossed and your eyes closed at an Imagine Dragons concert? Okay, you can do that, but you’ll look like a tool.
The first time I watched Bo Burnham’s special “Words, Words, Words,” I practically fell in love. Here was a show that involved standup, props and catchy music. Sure, his jokes aren’t as easy to follow as typical comedians such as Daniel Tosh. Yet, there’s something about exercising the mind while enjoying a laugh ?that’s addictive.
I mean, the guy published a New York Times best-selling poetry book. You may leave the show a little educated and cultured.
I have nothing against my fellow columnists’ picks. In fact, I would probably faint if I ever saw Marina and the Diamonds in physical form.
But Bo Burnham is what Little 500 week needs. People’s tastes in music range. But who really has a particular way they like to laugh?
A problem with the Little 500 concert is booking someone decent, known by the general population and who will actually take the time to come to our college town. As much as we’d all like to see Kanye perform in our little auditorium, the chances of that happening are about the same as Purdue becoming the state school. It’s just not going ?to happen.
That’s why comedy is the answer to our Little 500 prayers. College students love humor, and most comedians aren’t conceited to the point that they’ll call ?themselves a god.
Though his onstage persona is somewhat like the egotistical, arrogant guy you might run into at Kilroy’s, it’s an act. It would be nice to have someone our own age entertain us for the love of performing — not for the money or the fame.
Bo Burnham is a vessel of wit, satirical prose, melodies and possible Illuminati affiliations. Let him come to Bloomington to touch our hearts and make us laugh.
maehogan@indiana.edu
