SPO brings Nick Swardson to Omaha Music Hall

The Student Programming Organization has been working to provide a smaller set-list of larger-name events for the UNO campus, and after the success of comedian Jim Gaffigan last year, another comedy, television and movie star will perform live at the Omaha Music Hall this Sunday at 7 p.m.Known for his comedy work on Reno 911, screen-writing Malibu's Most Wanted and movie work such as Grandma's Boy, Nick Swardson will be brought in by SPO to do his stand-up comedy routine.

This October, Swardson released his first live comedy album, Party.

The album, which opens and closes with new skits by Swardson, is a good showing of the comedian's relaxed shtick. The tracks showcase Swardson's sometimes immature humor when tackling big issues like "drinking" and "old people."

The comedian's uses of words such as "retarded" and "gay" are explained as Swardson uses examples from his own life to bring out his humor.

On another track, the comedian bares the brunt of his own criticism. Swardson, a self-admitted former stoner, pokes fun at his almost psychic memory once he quit smoking.

The album, a double feature, also has a DVD of Swardson's two Comedy Central Presents specials. The 2000 show is old hat for pretty much any Swardson fan, but his 2006 show is much fresher and hilarious, with new skits and different takes on older jokes.

His upcoming Omaha show has already sold a total of 1,600 tickets as of Wednesday afternoon. While just as popular with UNO students as Gaffigan, it seems the general public isn't as excited. Erin Cron, SPO's advisor, said that of all the tickets sold so far, 1,275 were students.

UNO student tickets are still available in the Milo Bail Student Center Business Office for $7. Student can purchase two for the student rate. All other tickets are available through Ticketmaster for $21.50. Tickets will also be available at the show. Contact SPO at 554-2623 with questions.