CHICAGO-Chicago native Michael Colyar, former host of Black Entertainment Television's (BET) Live from LA and Comic View is excited about headlining the always well put together Laughing on the Lakefront series at Chicago's South Shore Cultural Center Friday, November 12, 2004.

Coylar-whose motto is "hard to ignore, impossible to forget"-developed his unique brand of high energy, thought-provoking humor on the west coast while entertaining crowds, young and old, on the Boardwalk of Venice Beach with five daily performances over nine years. However, it was on State Street in Chicago where he began his comedy career.

"I love Chicago so much," said Coylar, 47, who is recognized as not only a comic genius, but a humanitarian as well. In 1990, when Coylar won the Grand Prize Comedy championship of the nationally televised "Star Search" talent competition, he donated half of the $100,000 prize to homeless charities in the Los Angeles area. Colyar's generous spirit continues as he seeks to donate a portion of the proceeds from the November 12th showcase to a Chicago soup kitchen serving the homeless. "You won't find many funnier than this guy and you certainly won't find any more committed than this guy," said NPR radio host Tavis Smiley on August 13, 2004.

Coylar's hilarious brand of comedy is not far from his humanitarian efforts. "I use my comedy to reach, teach and uplift Black people. I'm not anti-white, but I am pro-Black. Today, he continues to inform and entertain with the same point-blank delivery, and razor sharp wit that landed him appearances in film (such as Uncle P, House Party III, Hollywood Shuffle), radio, television (including The Parkers, Martin, 227), and comedy clubs throughout the country.

Moreover, when it comes to dressing, Coylar has acquired an impeccable wardrobe. If you missed the BET Comedy Awards, then you missed Coylar's lime green suit, he referred to as "sly and conservative." He added, "I travel with several good suits…. You never know when a party will break out. And in fact, I always try to find the prominent Black designer"

The Cultural Center, with its breathtaking views along Chicago's lakefront, will set the stage for a remarkable night of laughs. This is the sixth event in a series of comedy programs featuring the industry's best talent. STA PHOCUSED PRODUCTIONS is a full-service agency, which produces and promotes a wide variety of media products and events including live entertainment programs, broadcast television programs, films, and corporate and organizational videos. 
Tickets for Laughing On The Lakefront are ($20) twenty dollars and can be purchased at the South Shore Cultural Center's Box Office located at 7059 South Shore Drive or online at www.ticketweb.com.