LOOK where I am going

Bill Cosby is, by any standards, one of the most influential stars in America today. Whether it be through concert appearances or recordings, television or films, commercials or education, Bill Cosby has the ability to touch people’s lives. His humor often centers on the basic cornerstones of our existence, seeking to provide an insight into our roles as parents, children, family members, and men and women. Without resorting to gimmickry or lowbrow humor, Bill Cosby’s comedy has a point of reference and respect for the trappings and traditions of the great American humorists such as Mark Twain, Buster Keaton and Jonathan Winters.

His lifelong contributions to American culture were recognized with a Kennedy Center Honor in 1998 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in July 2002, America’s highest civilian honor.
On October 26, 2009, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presented Mr. Cosby with the 12th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The Mark Twain Prize recognizes people who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th century novelist and essayist best known as Mark Twain. In June 2009, Major League Baseball honored him with the Beacon of Hope Award for his civil rights work.

Bill Cosby represents the voice of a vast, ordinary world. Everyone seems to easily identify with his characters and the situations they find themselves in. He gives the twist of the ridiculous to everyday faults, foibles and successes and makes them a recognizable slice of life. Bill Cosby points out the humor in our lives, and in doing so, he touches our hearts. Because of this, his appeal is not restricted to any specific group. His qualities have endeared him to people from all walks of life.

Cosby is one of the best-selling comedians. Nine of Cosby’s albums have been certified Gold Records and six have been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Many of his expressions have become part of the jargon of this generation, like his famous drawn-out “riiiiiiiiight.” He establishes a rare rapport with all audiences.
About his performances Cosby says, “I feel that in-person contact with people is the most important thing in comedy. While I’m up on stage, I can actually put myself into the audience and adjust my pace and timing to them. I can get into their heads through their ears and through their eyes. Only through this total communication can I really achieve what I’m trying to do.”
The Fox Performing Arts Center is proud to host Bill Cosby for two shows on June 5, 2010, at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.