Comedic relief comes to campus in time for finals
Ben Gleib wraps up annual Springfest activities May 15
More stories from Colette St John
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As summer nears, the annual Springfest is once again put on by the University Activities Commission.
From May 11 to 15 students may attend free of charge to each event, with different performances each day.
The lineup for the week includes: Reservoir, Doks Robotiks, Eduardo Rafael, The Millenium, Tony Mercedes & The Gambling Man and comedian Ben Gleib.
Gleib will be the only non-musical event wrapping up the week of festivities. This will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Hilltop Lookout.
As a comedian and actor, Gleib is well-known and credentialed. With an appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, a guest correspondent on CNN, writer for collegehumor.com and pilots for FOX. He creates popular comedy podcasts, and most recently created his own TV show called “Idiotest.”
Senior public relations major Mckenzy Wagner is the UAC Springfest’s chair. She has helped determine the event list for Sprinfest.
She said Springfest helps to celebrate the end of the school year.
“It adds a little fun to the last week of classes by having bands perform during the lunch hour and by giving away free items that have been donated by local restaurants and shops,” Wagner said.
After receiving submissions, the Festivals Committee decides on what acts to move forward with. Wagner said they originally asked comedian Ben Gleib to perform in February as a part of Comedy Showcase.
Due to his new television show aired on the Game Show Network, scheduling didn’t work out. But Wagner was excited when he was able to attend Springfest.
“Ben Gleib is one of my favorite comedians,” she said.
Steven Miller, junior biology major, said he looks forward to Gleib’s performance as well as others throughout the week.
“I am not too familiar with Springfest, but some friends have been talking about it and it sounds like it will be fun,” Miller said.
Miller enjoys watching stand-up comedy and after finding out Gleib will be in the area he looks forward to watching.
“I love listening to stand-up comedy, and I think it is awesome Eau Claire was able to bring in someone with a resume like his,” Miller said. “I know he has starred on TV shows over the years. I’m excited to hear some quality stand-up!”
