For a comedian who has earned a reputation on humorous rants, Lewis Black may have a new topic to rage about, one that people of Rochester can relate to.

“I always come [to Rochester] when it’s really crappy [outside],” Black said.   

Needless to say, he’s not real happy about the prospect of April snows.

“Perfect, I’m [expletive] thrilled to hear that,” he said, throwing in some off his trademark language.

 But winter-like weather won’t keep the Daily Show alum from visiting the Student Life Center with opening act John Bowman, on April 19, for St. John Fisher’s annual Spring Event.

Black, who has recently toured at the University of Florida and Georgia Tech, is known for stand-up comedy, his multiple movie roles and his “Back in Black” segment on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

He’s also written a book, Nothing’s Sacred, several plays and has won a Grammy for “Best Comedy Album” for his CD, The Carnegie Hall Performance. 

“They all feed off each other,” Black said about his multiple talents.  He does have a slight preference for stand-up though.  “With stand-up, you have the option to do whatever you want to do without anyone bothering you.”

Black’s stand-up style is mostly comprised of sarcastic swipes and bombastic rants told through his deep, gruff voice.

His material covers a number of different topics, as well.  Some of his material has been based on politics and even the name of his last tour, Red, White and Screwed, had political overtones.  But, he doesn’t necessarily set out to have his material involve embattled Democrats and Republicans.

“I’m sick of politics, but I’m kind of stuck with them at the moment,” Black said. 

He also finds source material out of his everyday life. 

“I like talking about anything that upsets me,” Black said.  “My comedy has a tendency to come out of frustration, anything that irritates about me.”

There are certainly a number of things that have struck a nerve with Black and this has allowed him to hit back at the flaws of society in a style that is entertaining. What exactly is on Black’s recent list of irritations?

“The FCC [Federal Communications Commission] and all their crap, the Imus thing, which is certainly a horrible situation.  But I don’t like how it spills over and effects what people are thinking,” he said, beginning to get riled up.

 “People start talking about the horrible things said in comedy clubs,” he said.  “But it’s the club where someone goes out to here [that type of material].”

Stand-up isn’t all angry digressions though, it also requires preparation. 

“About 85 percent is planned out,” Black said.  “The other 15 (percent) I try to wing.”

Not everyone can appreciate the challenge of stand-up comedy or Black’s musings, in fact some people don’t like it all.  Even the best of comedians have had to deal with hecklers, some more vicious than others.

“The best heckle I had was a long time ago, when I was new to stand-up,” Black said.  “This guy told me to go home and gargle with razorblades.”

With the idea of violent insults in the air, it’s probably a good thing that Black has other gigs aside from stand-up.  He’s been in several movies including, Man of the Year (with Robin Williams) and Accepted. 

He also has several television projects in the works, including a Comedy Central program Root of All Evil, where he plays a judge in a fake courtroom that deals with proceedings such as Paris Hilton versus Dick Cheney. 

Black also has another book that he’s working on that deals with religion.  Will this new book continue Black’s satirical style of comedy?

“I hope so,” Black said. “Or we’re screwed.”

Judging by his success, Black hasn’t had to worry about that.

Unfortunately, he may have to worry about chilling temperatures when he arrives on campus.  He may not rant about it like some political scandal, but it’s still an inconvenience.

“Just tell them to make the weather nicer,” Black said.