Comedy comes to State College tonight as Joel Chasnoff performs a free show at 8 p.m. at Irving's Bagels, 110 E. College Ave.

Prior to this stand-up set, Chasnoff will also conduct a seminar on the history and origin of Jewish humor at 5 p.m. in 118 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center.

According to the comedian's Web site, his Jewish heritage is extremely important to him, and he has been active as a Jewish comedian by conducting many seminars similar to tonight's.

This one will focus on the history of Jewish comedy, as well as Chasnoff's brand of comedy, which is based on the traditional, positive aspects of Jewish tradition and life.

Chasnoff's comedy is never built around Jewish stereotypes of any kind, according to his Web site.

"He was wonderful; it was very Jewish but not insulting in any way," said Gloria Schwartz, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Springfield, Ill., referring to one of the comedian's past performances. "The audience just loved him."

In addition to his popular Jewish comedy, Chasnoff also employs stand-up that non-Jewish individuals can enjoy and relate to.

Having traveled the world, Chasnoff has learned the cross-cultural value of comedy. In his time as a student at the University of Pennsylvania, his service in the Israel Defense Forces, and his world travel, Chasnoff said he has gained a valuable perspective on life, which he brings into his comedy.

According to his Web site, Chasnoff tackles such diverse subjects as "politics, technology, toilet training, relationships and the warped way in which we Americans see ourselves in the world today."

"Joel has a real passion for what he's doing ... It'll be a great show that should appeal to all audiences," said Dave Meckley, director of student life at Penn State Hillel.

Chasnoff constantly performs in comedy clubs, bars and at universities all over the nation, making his comedy, although based in Jewish humor, a routine that everyone can enjoy, Meckley added.

While the seminar will focus on Jewish humor, Chasnoff's time at Irving's will be a mix of that unique humor with his nationally popular and sharp stand-up act.

"He does a whole set of non-Jewish comedy that's really funny," said Sima Seidman, vice president of Penn State Hillel. "I think everyone on campus will really enjoy him a lot."