CSUSB becomes comedy central

By Sharonda Harris |Staff Writer|

With finals approaching, students were able to momentarily forget about exams, and laugh their butts off. Associated Student Incorporated
(ASI) hosted it’s annual ‘Comedy Den’ on March 8.

Nick Kendle, vice president of university affairs, decided that the ‘Comedy Dens’ should be held each quarter, contrary to the and far spaced scheduling of the event in the past.

“These quarterly comedy dens are a way to help people relieve right before fi – nals; and it helps when you can laugh and forget about high gas prices, tuition, and test,” said Kendle.

This Comedy Den featured comedienne and MC Cocoa Brown.

“What I liked best about this event was Cocoa, the host. She kept the show
alive. Her jokes were always on point,” said student Omolara Oluyemi.

“It’s great to have an education in your back pocket. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s. I can quit any time, and easily be a professor at a college,” said Brown.

Kendle says that he noticed Brown at a CSUSB event years ago and felt that it would be great if the campus held more comedy slams for students to attend.

Inspired by several comedians, Brown gives credit to the comics who have infl uenced her comedy genius.

“I got my comic inspiration from J.B. Smooth, Cool Brotha Ice, Fred Rick, Fat Doctor, Devin Davis, and Kevin Hart; but the utmost respect goes to the great women comics; you got your Monique’s, Sheryl Underwood’s the list goes on,” said Brown.

Brown shared her start as a female in the male dominated profession.

“Honestly, when I came into the game, it was only male comics, and no I wasn’t sleeping with anyone,” said Brown.

“And they treated me like an equal. They respected me and they wanted me to be original, creative, and stepup my game,” she continued.

Brown says that she feels comfortable going before or after any male comic.

“My favorite moment was when Cocoa made jokes about the audience members,” said Oluyemi.

Comedy Den also featured comedians Chris D’Elia and Justin Rivera.

Students were able to assist Rivera with some of the magical comedy sketches he has performed at the Improv

Comedy Club and Restaurant and other local venues. While D’Elia had the audience in tears with his multiple dialects, and ‘inner gangsta’ skit. He got his start five years ago in LA doing local gigs.

“It’s hard to get good stage time, in LA you know. People are pretty cut-throat in the beginning. Like in the beginning stages, people are really competitive before anybody has real success,” said D’Elia.

Now that ASI has goals to maintain the Comedy Den on a quarterly basis rather than annually, students are anxious to see what comics close out the school year.