Miami Student

Issue date: 2/26/08 Section: Campus

Ventriloquist David Pendleton poses with characters Aunt Tilly, Mack Elroy, Vern the Vulture and Buford the Beagle.

Ventriloquist and comedian David Pendleton will visit Miami University and put on a show for students Thursday night.

Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) is sponsoring Pendleton's act, which he will perform at 9 p.m. Feb. 28 in Shriver's Multipurpose Room.

According to Keynote Music, a music-based organization run by CCC, Pendleton is known for his comical performances in which he shares God's plan using humor.

His four well-known characters are old Aunt Tilly, troublemaker Mack Elroy, Buford the Beagle and Vern the Vulture.

CCC, a spiritual resource for Christian students on campus, often sponsors his college shows. Pendleton was a member of CCC during his college years.

CCC has been promoting this event primarily for students at Miami, but it is also open to anyone in the Oxford community. There is no fee for the performance and representatives from CCC will be there to answer any questions afterward, said senior Dani Lower, a member of CCC who organized the event.

Lower said they are expecting a good turnout from students, and hope faculty and community members also decide to attend.

"This event is a time for fellowship and for meeting new people," Lower said. "We want people to walk away with an idea of who God is, to hear the Gospel and to hear the truth."

Asking for audience assistance throughout his shows, Lower said Pendleton is known for getting students involved during his performances, adjusting the tone and content of his acts depending on the people in the crowd.

Lower said she saw Pendleton perform in Indianapolis over the holidays at a CCC Christmas conference.

"He's hilarious, and really good at matching his performances with his audience," Lower said.

Miami senior Laura Donnell, who plans to attend the event, said it is a good blend of fellowship and fun.

"I think this show will be a great opportunity for students at Miami to get an idea of who God really is," Donnell said. "It's a way to interact with other students and watch a funny show while learning about God at the same time."

Pendleton has made appearances on ABC's America's Funniest People as well as The Today Show.

Pendleton is a 20-year veteran entertainer, performing since he was 11 years old. Pendleton learned how to practice ventriloquism from an old record in his grandma's attic and has been perfecting the skill ever since.

He has performed at a variety of venues including corporate events, churches, college campuses and prisons nationwide.

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