Jesse Irwin

In addition to serving as the host of Pitt Tonight, the University of Pittsburgh's highly popular late-night TV show, Jesse has served as an emcee at several campus functions, most notably as the MC for the annual Pitt Dance Marathon, which raised more than $250,000 this year, and for other events hosted by the Dean of Students or the Division of Student Affairs, including more serious events that addressed the issue of sexual assault prevention. Jesse has reported on Student Government Board elections and the grand opening of the Pitt Sports Dome, using Facebook live to capture the essence and spirit of the events. Jesse is very accommodating. He will model his style and delivery based on the needs of the client. He is funny, and knows how to incorporate an appropriate level of humor into programs based on the audience, whether it's pre-planned jokes or impromptu comments. He just interacts with people at various levels very well. Perhaps the best indicator of this occurred in February when he was one of four students who was selected to participate in an open Q&A with the University Board of trustees during an open meeting. He was exceptionally candid and respectful. Jess was one of seven finalists for Senior of the Year at Pitt, another indication of his maturity and the positive impact he made on our campus during his collegiate career. I recommend him wholeheartedly to MC your event.

Jesse Irwin is a host, comedian, conversationalist, and sometimes, if you are lucky enough to hear, singer. As the host of Pitt Tonight, Jesse fit the role outstandingly. He made guests feel comfortable and was quick on his feet with hilarious jokes and personality. We get the feeling that the show is not just about having a good time, but he's really trying to dig up interesting topics to talk about.

What I really enjoy is the production of the show. Jesse has organized and led a stand out team of people, and Pitt Tonight has to have been one of the most impeccable student run organizations I have ever seen. The shows are made up of hilarious stand up bits, interesting conversations, and really great musical guests. When I see a student run production, it tends to feel somewhat incomplete, rough around the edges. This is not the case with Pitt Tonight. From the moment you hear the house band play the theme and Jesse Irwin steps on stage, the show really proves itself as being professionally done.

As I myself was a glidecam operator for most shows, I found Jesse was a joy to work with. Before a show would start he would come up to me and try to brainstorm and coordinate cool shots for me to grab while the show was going. As a leader he is great at starting the conversation and then seeing where you take it. Yes he has a vision, and he makes that vision happen, but with Pitt Tonight I see someone who has made a collaboration of many different people produce wonderful results.

The finale was one of the greatest live shows I have ever seen. Jesse was quick with jokes, and is never afraid to let himself be the butt of a few jokes and gags. There were moments of great hilarity mixed with moments of sincerity. And the final number, well, I have been raving about it ever since I witnessed it. After a heartfelt speech about how he's enjoyed being the host of the show, and a few gags about how they need to figure out how to close it, Jesse kicked off the number. It started slow, and then with a curtain swinging open, suddenly there appeared every single musical guest the show has had, and then they all performed the Joe Cocker version of With a Little Help From my Friends. There was the jazz band, rock guitarists, even a choir singing back up. Nothing short of outstanding. When the number ended with Jesse doing a mic drop, it was hard to hear anything over the roar of the audience.

Jesse is a great host and comedian and all of the things I have mentioned above. But I think one of his greatest strengths is his showmanship. A person who knows how to, with any medium or method, transport you to a new and exciting place. He puts on a great and heartfelt show, and as host, this talent really shines.

Jesse hosted the Pitt Program Program Council's 2016 Bonfire and Pep Rally for the University of Pittsburgh. Jesse helped get a crowd of several thousand students, alumni, and fans on their feet and ready for the Pitt Football season opener. He had witty banter with Bubba from 100.7 Star's the Bubba Show. Jesse was prepared, flexible, and very professional. I would recommend Jesse for any hosting gig.

We booked Jesse for a university event with a short turnaround deadline and some creative limitations and he delivered. He may stray off book on occasion during the course of a show, so having a communicated sense of what is and is not out of bounds is critical, but he was very communicative with the producer and event writer in coming up with material for the event and in being a consummate professional during the rehearsal and actual event.