Hall gives Southern something to laugh at

Southern University’s own Howard Hall is on the rise.
The graphic design major from Baton Rouge has shared the same stage with comedians Cedric the Entertainer, Bruce Bruce, Jamie Foxx and Paulie Shore and performed in a recent taping of BET’s 2005 “Comic View.”
In other words, Hall tickles funny bones. He’s an up-and-coming comedian.
But before he was rubbing elbows with some of the nation’s funniest people, he was in Baton Rouge performing for campus organizations at both Southern and Louisiana State University and comedy clubs around Baton Rouge.
“I mean, I’m in Baton Rouge doing all these shows, and people here at Southern haven’t heard of me. Don’t sleep on me,” Hall said. “I’ll do any show and get my name out there. I don’t care what venue it is, as long as it’s legitimate, because once you’re forgotten, you’re forgotten. Nothing’s better than publicity in comedy.”
Hall has been in the comedy game for a while, with his career beginning, incidentally, at McNeese State University in Lake Charles.
“They had a talent show in the dorm,” Hall said. “So a lot of people said they were gonna do stuff, like rap or whatever, and I said I’d just go with them. At the last minute, they all dropped out. So, my first show was two hours long.”
Hall has been christened by his press release as the “The New Face of Comedy”, a title he plans to take to the next level. He said he gained inspiration from legendary comedians Red Foxx and Richard Pryor.
“When you think of big places for comedy, only three spots come to mind: New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta. I’m trying to make Louisiana (and) the South known, which is why my stage name is the name my mother gave me: Howard Hall,” he said. “I don’t want any confusion as to whose name is on the check.”
At 21, Hall was a finalist in the “Funniest Person in Louisiana” contest and at 23, he had performed at Jamie Foxx’s Lafapolooza America’s Urban International Comedy Arts Festival in Atlanta. Hall was one of 20 comedians chosen out of over 300 comedians nationwide to perform several times per night for two straight nights.
Hall has advice for aspiring comics.
“Always know you’re funny. Never let anyone tell you you’re not funny,” he said. “You need to believe and work on it and believe me, you’ll make it.”
Hall will be performing two shows during the holidays. His first show will be at 7 p.m. on Dec. 17 at the Inferno Room, located at the corner of Third Street and Florida Boulevard in Baton Rouge. The show will be taped live for UPN’s “Comedy Block.” On New Year’s Eve, Hall will headline at the Funnybone Comedy Club, located at 4715 Bennington, in Baton Rouge.