MARK RUSSELL

Comedy, Music, Bribery, and Conspiracy

February 16 at 7:30pm · Mountainlair Ballroom

Mark Russell is America’s foremost political satirist. His musical parodies have been entertaining audiences on Capitol Hill for nearly half a century.

Russell finds humor in the latest-breaking news, especially the absurdities in Washington and across America. Accompanying himself at his star-draped grand piano, Russell began poking fun at politicians many years ago as the resident comedian at Washington’s Shoreham Hotel. The Marquee Lounge became “the place” where politicians would come to hear Mark's jokes about what they had done that day. What began as a risky two-week gig lasted 20 years.

Russell spent 30 years on public television as host of the “Mark Russell Comedy Specials,” which were consistently among the top-rated shows on that network. With impeccable timing, twinkling eyes, and shock-of-recognition insights into American politics, he draws merriment from the pomposity of public life.

Today the bow-tied and bespectacled humorist spends most of his time on the road as a stand-up comedian touring college campuses, conventions, and theaters. Russell’s syndicated column is enjoyed all over America, as are his CDs, tapes, and videos.

Russell’s answer to the frequently asked question, “Do you have any writers?” is: “Oh, yes ... I have 535 writers, 100 in the Senate and 435 in the House of Representatives.”

Russell was born in Buffalo, New York, and served in the Marines before launching his comedic career. TV Guide has called Russell “the funniest man on television,” but he disagrees. “No, the funniest guys are on C-Span,” he quipped.