A lighthearted, quirky comedian plans to stir up some laughter and different perspectives on life at 7th Street Underground on Thursday.

Jasper Redd will perform at 8 p.m. as part of the University Board’s “Ha-Ha Comedy Café.”

Stephanie Cianciolo, the UB comedy coordinator, said Redd was chosen to come to Eastern because he is relatively new to the comedy scene.

He is becoming popular from the different shows that he has been on, Cianciolo said.

Redd is known from appearing on several shows such as “Last Call with Carson Daly,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “Def Comedy Jam” and “Tosh.0.”

Redd is also known for his polyrhythmic timing and for being the “Yo Mama Joke Champion 2005.”

Redd often jokes about race in everyday situations and said he get his jokes from what he sees in life.

“I observe things around me, listening, watching things,” Redd said.

An observation Redd had was why it made no sense that the Michelin Man was white and not black.

“Michelin Man is a person composed completely of white tires, but tires are black,” Redd said.

He said he tries to keep his jokes lighthearted and tries not to be political or personal.

“I talk about a lot of things comedians do, but I do it in my own way,” Redd said. “I talk about food, race, sex, hygiene; it varies.”

Cianciolo, a sophomore recreation administration major, said Redd interacts a lot with the audience members.

“I am hoping that the audience will participate,” Cianciolo said. “I think the students will really enjoy him and the way he interacts.”

The event will also include the “Last Comic Standing” contest, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. before Redd’s performance.

The “Last Comic Standing” contest will allow anyone to come up to the microphone and tell an original joke.

Cianciolo said the winner of the contest will get a prize.

“The prize will just be a gift card, and the audience will decide (the winner),” Cianciolo said.

Redd will go on stage after the contest at 8 p.m.

Redd said he enjoys performing at colleges more than comedy clubs because of the different audience attitude.

“Comedy Clubs have a lot more to lose,” Redd said. “(People at) colleges just want to see someone funny.”

Amanda Wilkinson can be reached at 581-2812 or akwilkinson@eiu.edu.