From Capitol Hill to the Van Wezel, Mark Russell to Bring the Banter to Sarasota, 3/31

Long before Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert, there was Mark Russell, daring to joke and sing of the often absurd political process. With his impeccable timing, twinkling eyes, and insights into American politics, Mark Russell will grace the Van Wezel stage on March 31, 2014.

Russell, grew up with entertainers as his heroes, radio comedians like, Fred Allen and Jack Benny had audiences chomping at the bit for satire. Russell took inspiration and became the class clown starting in fourth grade and maintaining his position through high school. His career came to life in a little piano bar on Capitol Hill, across the street from the lawmakers themselves. He began knowing little about politics, but was an immediate hit with his ability to find humor in anything.

Russell joined the Marine Corps in 1953, and was discharged in 1956. Upon returning home he took a risky two-week gig which lasted twenty years! The Marquee Lounge became "the place" where politicians would go, to hear Mark's jokes about what they had done that day.

Hosting the "Mark Russell Comedy Specials" for thirty years on public television, Russell's satire has been enjoyed by the masses. In addition to his screen and stage success Russell has had a syndicated newspaper column and authored his own biography. He continues to play off the headlines today, performing stand-up comedy while accompanying himself on his iconic piano.

Drawing merriment from the pomposity of public life, Mark Russell is a witty genius, don't miss his outrageously funny stand-up at the Van Wezel.

Tickets are priced from $30-$45. For more information, call the Box Office at 941-953-3368 or visit www.VanWezel.org.