Katt scratch comedic fever

Katt Williams

According to comedian Steve Harvey, "Hands down, Katt Williams is the next Richard Pryor."

Check out the "next Richard Pryor" when Williams performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Shea's Performing Arts Center, 646 Main St., Buffalo.

Known just as much for his permed hair as he is for his animated performances and quick wit, Williams has been making a name for himself in Hollywood for more than 10 years.

As a young man, he quickly discovered that he had a gift for making people laugh. Inspired by the likes of Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Donn Knotts, Bill Cosby, George Carlin, Thomas Marshall, Jeff Foxworthy, Whoopie Goldberg and Dave Chappelle, whom he calls the "Malcolm X of comedy," Williams' entertaining standup routines are laying the blueprint for a new generation of comics.

Williams, who was called "hottest new comedian" by Rolling Stone, is also known for his 60 minute stand-up show "Pimp Chronicles," which airs on HBO, and MTV improv king of "Wild n' Out."

Future projects include hosting the first BET "Hip Hop Awards" on Nov. 15, releasing two upcoming films with Eddie Murphy, Cuba Gooding Jr., Thandie Newton and Terence Howard, releasing a new hip hop/comedy album and appearing on Russell Simmon's "Def Comedy Jam" with Chappelle.

Tickets are $30 and $36, and are available through Ticketmaster at 852-5000 or www.ticketmaster.com.