Rod Paulette

Ohio comedian Rod Paulette, who returns regularly to his home state to perform at the Improv, has a deep voice that seems to carry through the room as he makes fun of racial issues. Like actor/rapper/singer Donald Glover, Paulette plays off the stereotype of being a black man who acts white, and jokes about the struggles he's subsequently encountered. In one bit, he talks about how West Coasters always assume he grew up on a farm because he's from Ohio. "When's the last time you saw a black man on a farm without a chain on his foot keeping his ass there?" he asks. "If you ever see a black man on a farm, sneak up on him, tap him on the shoulder and let him know he's free." Paulette performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv. Tickets are $15. (Niesel)