Howie Mandel and Preacher Lawson performed at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center Friday, bringing two high-energy standup sets to Bowling Green.

The performance opened with Lawson’s set, centering crowdwork and personal anecdotes. Following a brief introduction, Lawson asked a group of audience members why they’d arrived late.

They explained to Lawson that they were stopped by security due to the bags they carried.

SKYPAC’s security only allows clear bags and purses, a policy enacted in 2024 to ensure the safety of SKYPAC patrons.

“What started the clear purse? I bet someone had a regular purse and was like, ‘He better be funny,’” Lawson said, holding his hand near his hip in a finger gun gesture.

Following Lawson’s set, Mandel took the stage for a comedy routine spanning topics such as Bowling Green and his interactions with the audience.

Mandel began his set discussing Bowling Green and the time he’s spent here, from his meal at Hickory and Oak, a restaurant on State Street, to his experience at Amothecary, a nearby gift shop.

“I went to a store… What do you call it, ‘Amo-therapy’ or something?” Mandel said. “They had a bucket of deer paws! Where do you get a deer paw for $13?”

Throughout his set, Mandel routinely interacted with the audience, frequently addressing specific audience members during jokes.

At one point during his routine, Mandel addressed his lack of medical expertise.

In response, an audience member cited Mandel’s role in “St. Elsewhere,” a medical drama in which Mandel played the role of Dr. Wayne Fiscus.

“You’re answering questions nobody is asking,” Mandel replied. “I don’t have the authority to move you into a bonus round here.”

From his time spent downtown to the show’s eccentric crowd, Mandel was baffled by Bowling Green.

“I’ve been doing this for 50 years,” Mandel said. “This is the weirdest night of my life.”