Hannibal Buress is no stranger to Hattiesburg.
In fact, when the Chicago-born comic takes the stage Friday evening at the historic Saenger Theater, it will be the fourth time in seven years for him to bring his critically-acclaimed stand-up comedy routine to the Pine Belt.
Buress made his Hub City debut at Sidelines Sports Cafe in 2012 and in the years since then has performed twice at Brewsky’s – once in 2013 and again two years later.
He knows the good places to eat in town; considers Hub City Comedy founder Jamie Arrington a friend; and he is perfectly content to make Hattiesburg a permanent tour stop along with the likes of New Orleans, Las Vegas, and his hometown of Chicago.
For all intents and purposes, Hannibal Buress is practically a local. And while he might be able to navigate his way from one end of Hattiesburg to the other, don’t bother asking him to explain what the hell “finite math” is all about.
“I’m not even sure it’s a real thing,” said Burgess, talking about his stint in college at Southern Illinois University.
“I had just started performing standup and I was in that phase of trying to find out what I really wanted to do with my life,” he said.
As a sophomore, he changed his major to pursue a degree in business administration, something he admits he chose because it sounded like “something an adult would do.”
Next thing he knew, Buress said he was enrolled in a course called “finite math.”
“I didn’t know what the hell it was then and I sure as hell don’t know what it is now. I’ve been out of school for a long time now and I have yet to find a scenario in which I - or anyone else I know – has a need for something called finite math.”
As a fresh-faced, but outspoken 19-year-old kid who didn’t have much interest in college – especially after that finite math experience – Buress said he tried to get as many opportunities as possible to hone his craft and in a college town, there were plenty of opportunities.
“It wasn’t difficult to draw a crowd and I learned how to promote my own shows and that really paid off, too.”
These days, Buress said he still hasn’t quite wrapped his head around how far he has come from those early days of performing in Carbondale.
“It’s weird, man. I’ve been performing in theaters for the last few years now, but it’s still hella weird to me. When I look out into the audience and realize that there are a couple of thousand people sitting out there waiting for me to talk is a strange feeling.”
Fresh off of a busy summer with supporting roles in two major motion pictures including TAG starring Jon Hamm and Rashida Jones, he admits the whole movie-making experience is equally as strange.
“You spent every waking hour working on a film and then once you’re done, it takes nine months or more for it to finally be released.”
Buress has written for NBC’s Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock and he is also a cast member on Comedy Central’s Broad City. He is also the former co-host of Adult Swim’s The Eric Andre Show.
With his successful podcast called Handsome Rambler, Buress plays host to an eclectic mix of guests – from Rappers Vic Mensa to fellow comedians, The Lucas Brothers.
His third hour standup special Comedy Camisado, is currently streaming on Netflix.
Needless to say, he has a lot on his plate these days.
“But you know, coming back to perform in Mississippi is really special to me,” he said.
Both of Buress’ parents are originally from the north part of the state and his grandmother and several cousins still live in and near the Isola community in Humphreys County. In fact, he’ll be back soon to help a cousin open up a nightclub.
Until then, the multi-talented comedian, writer, podcast host, actor, and all-around funny man said he’s looking forward to getting back to Hattiesburg – a place that has always treated him well.
“I know the crowds in Hattiesburg are going to show up – and show out,” he said. “It’s always a fun time here,” he said. “People know what they’re getting into and it makes for a really great night.”
WHAT: An Evening with Hannibal Buress
WHEN: 8pm Friday, October 19
WHERE: Historic Saenger Theater in downtown Hattiesburg
Tickets are $45 for lower level, $35 for balcony. Call (601) 584-4888.
