Craig Ferguson to perform evening of stand-up comedy on Oct. 5

BUFFALO, NY -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo will present Craig Ferguson at 8 p.m. on Oct. 5 in the Mainstage Theatre in the Center for the Arts on the UB North (Amherst) Campus. The performance is sponsored by the Student Association. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on July 13.

Ferguson entered the world of late night comedy following a diverse and eclectic career that encompasses film, television and the stage. Since taking the helm of the "Late, Late Show" on Jan. 3, 2005, the show has set all-time viewer records. Additionally, Ferguson recently received his first Emmy nomination for his work on the "Late, Late Show."

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Ferguson got his start in the entertainment industry as a drummer for some of the worst punk bands in the U.K., a profession he held for several years. Following his musical stint, he began bartending in a local pub in Glasgow where he was introduced to Michael Boyd, the artistic director of The Tron Theatre in Glasgow, who persuaded Ferguson to give acting a go. After several low-paying acting gigs, Ferguson discovered he had a knack for comedy and was soon the star of his own BBC television show, "The Ferguson Theory."

After several stints on the English comedy circuit, Ferguson brought his act to America in 1995 to star with Betty White and Marie Osmond in the ABC comedy "Maybe This Time." After the show ended, ABC decided to add the talented Scotsman to "The Drew Carey Show," playing Drew Carey's boss, Nigel Wick, from 1996-2003.

Ferguson has also starred in, written or directed several feature films. In April 2006, he debuted his first novel titled "Between The Bridge and The River," which became a critically acclaimed bestseller.

Tickets for Craig Ferguson are $28, students $23. Tickets are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Center for the Arts Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations, including Kaufmann's. To charge tickets, call 852-5000; in Canada, call 1-416-870-8000. For group sales, call 645-6771. For more information, call 645-ARTS. The Center for the Arts is a Ticketfast location.