UConn’s Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts presents Standup Comedy Special featuring Preacher Lawson and Asif Ali

Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on the UConn Storrs campus will present a double-bill of standup comedy on Saturday, March 29 featuring Preacher Lawson, comedian and TikTok sensation, and finalist on America’s Got Talent. Standup Comic, TV and film actor Asif Ali will also be featured. 

Preacher Lawson was born in Portland, Oregon, but spent most of his adolescence in Memphis, Tennessee. He moved 20 times before the age of 10, but if you asked him what city he's from he'd say Orlando, Florida, because that's where he grew as a comedian. Lawson is best known for his appearance on season 12 of NBC’s hit series, America's Got Talent (2017) where he made it to the final round. Based off his stellar performance in season 12, Lawson was invited to compete on America's Got Talent: The Champions (2019) and Britain's Got Talent: The Champions (2019) where he advanced to the finale after receiving the most fan votes. Lawson shot his first stand-up special, Get to Know Me, which premiered on BET+ in 2019.

In Television, Lawson can be seen on HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show as well as NBC’s Connecting as a series regular. He also hosted the Facebook Watch series World's Most Amazing Dogs (2019) with George Lopez and Lisa Vanderpump. Most recently, he can be seen on The Tonight Show talking about his fame recognition and MMA fight.

Lawson has built a massive following on TikTok of 3.2 million followers. His YouTube channel has amassed over 600,000 subscribers and features clips of stand-up, MMA training, and even Vegan cooking tips! He recently completed his residency hosting AGT Live in Las Vegas and continues to perform at sold-out venues around the country.

Asif Ali started his career as a club grown comic and improviser into becoming a heavily credited TV and film actor. He can be seen on the Emmy Nominated series Disney+ Marvel WandaVision, The Mandalorian, Netflix BoJack Horseman, and much more! Recently, Asif will be in the acclaimed feature Don’t Worry Darling with Olivia Wilde & Chris Pine as well as Amblin’s Easter Sunday. When he isn’t acting, Asif is touring with Jo Koy, honing his craft in preparation for his comedy special. Standup is his first love & his bits have been featured on Comedy Central, Netflix, and FOX. In addition, he is also a member of a popular sketch group called Goatface Comedy with Aristotle Athari, Fahim Anwar, and Hasan Minhaj.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Preacher Lawson Bio and Asif Ali Bio

ARTIST/PUBLICITY PHOTOS:  Asif Photo CMYK.jpg  Preacher Updated Headshot June 2024.jpg

MEDIA SPONSORS:  Connecticut Magazine, Connecticut Public, CT Insider,

Hartford Courant, and 95.3 WILI

TICKETS AND BOX OFFICE INFORMATION:

Tickets for the standup comedy special are $35 to $45 with some discounts available. Tickets can be purchased on the Jorgensen website, jorgensen.uconn.edu. The Box Office is open Mon – Fri, 10 am to 5 pm. For questions and assistance, email jorgensen.tickets@uconn.edu or call 860-486-4226.  (Note: all artists, events, dates, programs policies are subject to change.) 

Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2132 Hillside Road on the UConn campus in Storrs. 

ABOUT JORGENSEN:

Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts presents 25-30 diverse performances each season, from nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles ranging from classical music to world music and dance, classical ballet and contemporary dance, comedy, family programming and contemporary entertainment.