Brianna Campbell / The Collegian

A California State University, Fresno student has been charming audiences with blunt jokes.

Dressed in a black button-down shirt, blue jeans and plastic framed glasses, which he later admitted were fake, Andrew Boydston joked about subjects ranging from his ex-girlfriend to pot-smoking to sex, and said of his shortcomings “It’s because I’m Irish” more than once during his five minute comedy routine at Thai Palms Restaurant & Bar last week.

Boydston, a mass communication and journalism major, performs short comedy routines at various restaurants and bars throughout Fresno.

He bases, what he calls, his “highly offensive” comedy on stereotypes and personal life experiences, among other topics.

“I see humor in everything,” Boydston said. “The best description of me, that I’ve heard on multiple occasions, is that I am ‘tastefully vulgar.’” Anyone is fair game in Boydston’s jokes, he said. “I even make fun of myself onstage.”

True to his word, Boyston earned laughs Wednesday night at Thai Palms’ weekly “Knights of Comedy” show, referencing his “small” sexual organ as well as joking about drugging his own date and then wondering why she lacked sexual energy and enthusiasm.

Boydston said he chooses to, “find the line of [what is considered] offensive, draw it, and then cross it deliberately.”

The idea of deliberately being offensive, taken from the late George Carlin, is one of Boydston’s two guiding philosophies. The second being, “If I can’t make fun of everyone, why make fun of anyone?”

Boydston’s first comedic attempt, an open-mic contest at The Bucket Grill and Pub on the Fresno State campus in April, entertained the judges well enough that he was chosen as the opening act for Gerry Bednob.

Bednob, referred to by Boydston as “the Indian guy from ‘40-Year Old Virgin,’” performed live in front of Fresno State students at the Satellite Student Union during the spring 2009 semester’s dead days.

Boydston said a great deal of positive feedback from audience members and friends motivates him to continue pursuing his dream of one day being featured on the television network Comedy Central.

“It helps to have blunt friends too,” Boydston said. He said he often tests new ideas on friends and family to see their reaction.

Boydston believes comedy should be taken lightly regardless of the topic or any controversy surrounding it.

“By no means am I trying to hurt people’s feelings,” Boydston said. “I’m there to make you laugh.”

However, Boydston said female audience members sometimes seem more offended by jokes about ex-girlfriends because of the descriptive words he uses.

He explained that the intention of jokes about past girlfriends, the government or even racial stereotypes is to make light of heavy topics. He says this allows people to relax and laugh at themselves. People ought to remain open minded when viewing comedy, Boyston said.

Comedy promoter Aaron Stewart, who coordinates and promotes shows at both Thai Palms and Hero’s Sports Lounge and Pizza Co, referred to Boydston as an “entrepreneur of comedy.”

“This guy is hilarious,” Stewart said. “Someday he’s going to be performing in front of thousands.”

Audience member Jennifer Kovacs and interior design major at Fresno State, hugged Boydston as he exited the stage at Wednesday nights performance, with the words “Good job! You were great.” Kovacs said she felt skeptical of Boydston initially but quickly warmed to him as his jokes started rolling.

“The setting [Thai Palms] is very intimate,” Kovacs said. Tables sit right up to the stage allowing comedians to point out specific audience members or converse directly with then during an act. “It makes me feel like I’m connecting with the comedians on a more personal level.” Kovacs said she would love to see more of Boydston’s comedy in the future.

After the show, Boydston mingled with the audience, introducing himself, sharing jokes, hugs and high fives and inviting people to future shows.

Students can see Boydston’s acts Wednesday nights at Thai Palms Restaurant & Bar or Thursday nights at Hero’s Sports Lounge and Pizza Co.