John Valby made State College a regular stop on his east coast tours in the 1980s an 90s, but it’s been some time since Valby, better known as ‘Dr. Dirty,’ performed locally.
That changes tonight (April 7) when the raunchy musician-comedian takes the stage at Champs Downtown, 135 S. Allen St., for an 8:30 p.m. show.
‘We remembered him from 15 to 30 years ago when he played here a lot,’ said Champs Manager Dante Lucchesi. ‘This was a regular stop for him and he was immensely popular back in the day. So we thought it would be a good idea to bring him back.’
Valby performs in a white tailcoat and derby hat, a visual contrast to his songs, which he calls ‘Dirty Ditties.’ His songs are laced with profanity and bluntly joke about sex, race and religion, sparing no one.
His own website describes him as ‘vile,’ ‘obscene,’ ‘disgusting,’ and ‘tasteless’ — as well as ‘hilarious,’ ‘entertaining,’ and ‘original.’
Some have also said ‘offensive.’ Valby has been performing for more than 40 years, and has occasionally been the subject of criticism as racist and sexist.
For many others though, Dr. Dirty is a character and a chance for people to laugh at themselves. His fans are also fond of the extensive audience engagement in his shows.
‘For the most part, from what I’ve heard from other people, almost anything goes,’ Lucchesi said. ‘He’s completely uncensored and politically incorrect. It’s a good show for someone who wants to come out and have fun and not worry about being politically correct.’
Lucchesi expects a big crowd for the show, as he’s heard from people from outside the area who will drive in for the chance to see Valby again. The most enthusiastic response has been from an older crowd that remembers Valby performing around State College in the past, but Lucchesi also expects the show will introduce a younger generation to him.
Some tickets for the 21-and-over show are still available and can be purchased in advance or at the door for $10.
