Big cheers for Leno's comic relief

Detroit Free Press (MCT) - Jay Leno's free show at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Tuesday night started with a roar when Kid Rock hit the stage to introduce "The Tonight Show" host.

And it ended with more cheers when, about 90 minutes later, Leno had the lights turned up to say a few words to the unemployed and financially struggling people he had invited to a free night out.

"This is one of the great industrial cities of America," said Leno, who is also doing a free show Wednesday night at the Palace. "This is a city that actually makes a product."

"God bless Detroit," said Leno, who also sent out a message of hope: "It's bad, but it's not that bad, and it will turn around."

The evening felt like an energy boost to the estimated crowd of 15,000, who started arriving around 4:30 p.m. for the "Comedy Stimulus" show that Leno announced last month on his NBC late-night show.

After a long cheering ovation from the crowd, Leno kicked off the concert with a sly nod to Detroit City Councilwoman Martha Reeves' objections to its suburban location. "Thank you, Detroit!" he yelled. "Oh, I mean Auburn Hills. I'm so sorry!"

Then Leno launched into a set of comedy that covered everything from Barack Obama to pets, obesity, fast food, James Bond movies and old favorites like George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

It was even a night of goodwill between Coca-Cola, the Palace's soft drink, and Pepsi, a show sponsor. Audience members got a voucher for a free Coca-Cola soft drink on the way in, and Pepsi products were distributed on the way out. Other refreshments were available for the night at a 20 percent discount.

And there was an NBC bigwig in the audience. Ben Silverman, NBC Entertainment's co chairman, was there, according to a Palace spokesman.

Fans who arrived early to line up before the Palace doors opened said it was worth braving the freezing wind and blowing snow to see Leno perform in person.

"We love him. We watch him all the time," said Linda Akroush, 49, of Sterling Heights, Mich., who brought her 23-year-old daughter Christine.

Akroush, who turns 50 Friday, said Leno's free show was the best birthday present she could get.

"I love his corny jokes that he does," said Carol Fair, 53, of Pontiac, Mich., a grandmother of 12 who admitted she's struggling with the economy. "I see him on TV each night. I told my grandkids, 'I'm going to see Jay Leno.'"

___

© 2009, Detroit Free Press.