Politicians take cover!

Political satirist Mark Russell - equipped with his usual complement of verbal slings and arrows, not to mention his omni-present piano - is returning to UNLV on Oct. 14 for an evening of razor-sharp wit.

And with the 1996 presidential election just three weeks away, the always loquacious Russell won't be lacking for material.

Part of the Barrick Lecture Series, "An Evening with Political Satirist Mark Russell" is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall. The event is free, but tickets are required. Tickets will be available at the Performing Arts Center box office at Ham Concert Hall beginning Oct. 5. For more information, call (702) 895-3801.

Russell, whose television specials are a fixture on PBS, has been taking aim at the nation's politicians for decades. An equal-opportunity wit, he aims his barbs at Democrats and Republicans alike.

"TV Guide" has called him "the funniest man on television," but he disagrees. According to Russell, "The funniest guys are always on C-SPAN."

Russell began his career singing his funny songs in the smoke-filled bars of Washington D.C. following a hitch in the Marines.

About the time that the New Frontier was invading Washington, Russell invaded Washington's Shoreham Hotel for a two-week gig. It lasted for 20 years. Although they knew they might find themselves or their actions in the limelight, politicians were among the frequent audience members.

Today, Russell takes his show on the road for most of the year. He also can be seen several times each year on his perennially popular "Mark Russell Comedy Specials" on PBS.

Russell, who delights in reading each day's newspapers, says he is frequently asked if he has any writers.

His reply? "Oh, yes. I have 535 writers. One hundred in the Senate and 435 in the House of Representatives."

The Buffalo, N.Y., native says he lives in Washington for the same reason a coal miner lives near the shaft.

Russell's October appearance on campus will mark the third time he has come to UNLV as a Barrick lecturer.

The Barrick Lecture Series, funded through a grant from philanthropist Marjorie Barrick, presents nationally and internationally known speakers from a variety of fields each year at UNLV. The presentations are always free and open to the public.

For additional information, call (702) 895-3801.