Close Encounters of the Non-Jon Kind
 Lewis Black

Name: Kate
Age: College student age
Location: University of Iowa, Memorial Union
Encounter dates: September 15, 2002
Event: Standup show
Added: October 28, 2002
Picture: Click here.

At the beginning of September, I went to a student activity forum and found a flier advertising Lewis Black's upcoming performance. I was psyched because I had missed him when he had been in my hometown on Labor Day. I bought my ticket as soon as I could and drove my friends crazy talking about it. I couldn't get anyone to go with me, so I went alone. I took my camera with me, hoping I might be able to get a picture with Lewis or at least a candid of him on stage. Unfortunately, I didn't have the guts to take one, especially after he ripped into an audience member whose cell phone started ringing. It was funny, but I didn't want that to be me.

As the audience filed out afterward, I fought against the current, trying to find someone in charge. I asked one usher if he knew if I could get a picture with Lewis Black. He said to look for a lady in a red T-shirt that said "Event Staff" on the back. I looked, but I couldn't find her. So I asked another usher. She asked a guy with a portable radio, and he told me to hang around for a minute. I stood around in the hallway, feeling like a moron. I had been afraid there would be too many fans and I wouldn't be able to get my picture. But now I was afraid that he just didn't do fan pictures or something. I had almost convinced myself to leave, since it was just me and the ushers, who were starting to clean up. But then, one of the doors opened and there was Lewis Black. There were some other people too, but I didn't really notice them. The first usher I had asked pointed to me and said, "There she is," as I walked up asking, "Can I get a picture?"

Lewis Black was really nice, very willing to stand with me for the picture. I had chosen to wear my Daily Show T-shirt, and as we stood waiting for the camera to go off (the battery was dying), he said, "Did you steal that?" referring to my shirt. I couldn't respond. The usher took two pictures, and then, as I was walking off, the usher handed my one of the promotional posters from the event that Lewis Black had signed. I said thank you, but I don't think anyone heard me. I was so excited, I was breathless. I ran all the way home, eager to share my happiness and excitement with my roommates. They thought I was nuts, but I didn't care.

I didn't really say anything to Lewis Black, but he seemed very nice. I think he wears the same cologne my late grandfather did.

Added October 28, 2002.