Cornell students gathered at Bailey Hall Friday, April 10th for an evening of unpredictable comedy with Eric André. Hosted by the Cornell University Programming Board, the event marked the comedian’s first return to Ithaca since 2019. The night featured a mix of traditional stand-up, crowd work, and the surreal antics that have made André a household name.
Opening act Derek Gaines set the tone with observations on Ivy League life and the intensity of the Ithaca atmosphere. When André took the stage, the energy shifted as he navigated through a set that touched on everything from fast food ethics to sharp political critiques. He specifically took aim at the current administration, offering students a moment of cathartic relief from the stress of the national news cycle.
The show took a turn for the personal when André borrowed student’s phones to text and FaceTime their parents in front of the entire audience. The night concluded in signature fashion with a ranch-dressing chugging contest on stage. For many in attendance, the performance was a break from the academic grind, proving that the Cornell community still has an appetite for the absurd (and ranch).
← Back to Feed