Lewis Black, an actor, stand-up comedian and founding chair of the National Comedy Center Advisory Board, is pictured Saturday in Jamestown. Black performed his popular Livestream show, “The Rant Is Due,” as part of a fundraiser for the National Comedy Center. Submitted photo

Actor and stand-up comedian Lewis Black was back in town over the weekend to let off a little steam and raise some money.

Black on Saturday performed his popular Livestream show, “The Rant Is Due,” at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown that featured a small, live crowd and an audience of thousands via Facebook Live and YouTube.

Black discussed various topics, including the city of Jamestown. Black has been very involved with the center over the years and is the founding chair of the National Comedy Center Advisory Board.

The performance was an online fundraiser for the National Comedy Center. The organization did not state how much was raised from the performance.

“What I really hope more than that is that you come and visit,” Black said. “This is an extraordinary museum. We’re in a room that you actually … can do bits of comics that they like. They’re printed out and you can actually stand here and do those bits. It’s about an 85% interactive museum.”

Black said in the summer, the center will be featuring a Johnny Carson exhibit, as well as an exhibit on Carl Reiners in July. He also highlighted a few of his favorite local restaurants, including Lisciandro’s, The Pub, The Chop House and Forte. Black said the visit is worth the trip.

“The bang for your buck is phenomenal. If you throw in Lucille Ball who much of her stuff is here just down the street — it’s an incredible way to spend two or three days,” he said.

Black continued the show by focusing on issues brought up by individuals who sent in comments, including topics such as mental health. One commenter said he has worked in mental health care over the past 10 years and hasn’t ever seen it “this bad.”

“Prior to COVID, the mental health system was already broken,” the commenter wrote. “COVID pulverized it. This path of destruction continues across America and is evidenced by providers struggling to find providers to provide mental health services because everyone is burnt out.”

“It’s always nice to start with an upbeat,” Black said wryly. “It really grabs the audience. But I think it’s important. It’s something I keep repeating and it is something that we ignore. … We’re living in two separate realities. As a result, you put that together with the fact that children, adults and everyone has some sort of a mental health thing going on. I think it’s important to note.”

Another viewer, David Niles, wrote in complaining about open-mouth chewers. “Oh the humanity — it drives me nuts,” Niles wrote.

“You can see what drove him over the edge,” Black said. “When you ask why did David drive his car into your car — it’s because you didn’t. … Shut your mouth when you were eating.”

Topics ranged from questions one commenter received on his birthday to ER visits. Black read out the comments in his famous ranting way, giving voice to those who are facing frustrations big and small.