Jessica Kirson, a comedian from New York City, has performed at numerous places, including Gotham Comedy Club, Laugh Factory, Caroline’s and the Improv.

Kirson, who is related to actor Zach Braff, will perform at 9 p.m. today in 7th Street Underground of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Rovion Reed, comedy coordinator for the University Board, first saw Kirson as part of the National Association for Campus Activities.

“She was different – in a good way,” Reed said.

Reed, along with the rest of the comedy committee, also chose her to perform because of Women’s History Awareness Month. Reed said he wants to encourage women to attend the event.

“The ladies should come out, because we don’t have a lot of female comedians coming to the school,” Reed said.

Reed picked Kirson to perform at Eastern because she had a lot of energy, a positive vibe and could connect with people in the crowd.

Reed said Kirson was hilarious when she performed, and her jokes were well received, since she talked about a wide range of issues.

“She is a voluptuous lady, so she talks about her size,” Reed said.

Reed saw her as the funny older cousin that everybody has in their family.

“This is a good trait to have that made people comfortable around her,” Reed said.

Reed said he does not laugh easily, but Kirson had him cracking up at the performance he attended.

Mary Ham, a graduate adviser for UB, said she thought Kirson worked well with the crowd and was humorous.

“I like how she talked about how she was Zach Braff’s sister,” Ham said.

There will also be a hip-hop cultural event, Def Comedy Jam, two or three more comedians and the Last Comic Standing as part of UB comedy events later this semester.

Heather Holm can be reached at 581-7942 or haholm@eiu.edu.