2016 has been a break out year for female comedians. Breaking into the “men’s only comedy club” women have started a new wave of comedy. For decades comedians such as Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Ray Romano and Louis C.K. have been selling out arenas all over the world. Now women are joining the ranks of the biggest comedians ever.
Jessi Campbell is a mix of Louis C.K., Melisa McCartney and Amy Schumer. Campbell has been seen on Last Comic Standing on NBC. She was named 2015 Female Performer of the Year by Campus Activities magazine, an award she was also nominated for in 2013. She has performed her unique brand of storytelling at over 200 colleges and over 100 comedy clubs, military bases and bars. Jessi’s debut comedy CD “Winner Winner” has been featured on iTunes and can be heard on Sirius XM Radio, Pandora Radio and terrestrial radio stations across the U.S. Jessi was a part of the ARMY I.A.M. Strong Tour, and has performed at Gilda’s LaughFest, The Boston Comedy Festival, The Great American Comedy Festival, San Francisco SketchFest and was the People’s Choice winner at the 2009 Aspen Rooftop Comedy Festival.
Students loved her unapologetic humor.
“She was hilarious. I couldn’t stop laughing,” Rachel said as she giggled her response. “She was a breath of fresh air for Aroostook County.”
Most comedians will rehearse a comedy routine in advance before they present. Jessi said she had to adjust her routine hours before she went on to perform.
“Presque Isle is a place I never been, being here for about six hours I knew I needed to add my experiences to my routine,” she said.
She asked the audience “what is there to do in Presque Isle?” the laughter went from cheers to absolute silence. Someone yelled out “hangout at Walmart.” Campbell eloquently replied “I love Walmart I can pick up a six pack and a husband.”
Campbell said when she agreed to come to UMPI someone told her she will see a moose. Unfortunately she had yet to see a moose. She was disappointed because with all the signs that said watch out for moose the only chance she would get to see one would be when she comes crashes into it and it will be her last breath of air.
Campbell did a glorious job at poking fun of herself and her American counter parts. She recalled a trip overseas for the first time.
“As an American I do not represent America well, I’m fat, didn’t go to college and cocky for no reason,” she said.
She had a way of bringing her audience in on the joke and laughing with them.
