Legendary former Saturday Night Live comedian Ellen Cleghorne is performing at Starbusters Bar and Grill on Wednesday, Sept. 25th.

Her resume is extensive. An Emmy award-winning actress from Saturday Night Live, she has also been on In Living Color and HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, had her own sitcom on the WB called “Cleghorne!” and has guest-starred in TV shows such as Roseanne and movies like “Little Nicky” and “Coyote Ugly.”

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Ellen Cleghorne will be the first comedian in what may become a comedy series at Starbusters.

“I’ve had an outside talent agency wanting to bring in comedians for a long time,” said Nick Tsiftillis, events coordinator for Starbusters. “When they came to me with Ellen, I said ‘Hey, that’s great!’ because she’s a nationally known act.”

Through Inside Joke Productions, a booking agency that caters to comedians, Cleghorne booked performances at several small venues, where comedy is on a more personal level and she can interact better with the audience.

“I think she is hilarious and there are not enough African-American comedians being seen, so I want to lend my support,” said Carla Carr, a third-year fine arts graduate student.

Cleghorne is just one of the big-name performers to come to DeKalb, and she offers a type of entertainment not often seen at local venues.

“I would be interested in going,” said Meghan Baelum, a senior art education major. “It’s near where I live, and it’s nice to have something like a comedian to see instead of just bands.”

Starbusters is planning on making comedy night a weekly event to give a variety of entertainment to DeKalb. So, aside from the usual line-up of cover bands, Starbusters will welcome up and coming comedians.

“We’ll see how this goes,” Tsiftillis said. “I’ve always wanted to have a comedy night followed by karaoke on Wednesday nights.”

Starbusters is expecting a large turnout, especially since students are looking forward to Cleghorne’s performance.

“I think it would start a trend by her coming here,” said Will Harris, a junior business management major. “It will open the door for more comedians to come to DeKalb.”

Cleghorne herself anticipates her visit to DeKalb.

“I’m looking forward to playing there and I hope everyone comes out,” Cleghorne said.

Tickets are on sale now at Downtown Discs for $10 in advance. The show is Sept. 25 at 9 p.m.