Satirist Mark Russell Entertains at Spring Hoot

Political satirist Mark Russell entertained more than 200 Press Club Silver and Golden Owls (long-time members) and their guests April 15 and received a standing ovation after a steady flow of biting bipartisan political humor.

He opened with a announcement that he was seeking the upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court, quipping that someone had to represent the bow-tie crowd in America.

Russell, who has appeared at the Club more than any other entertainer since 1961, was introduced by Golden Owl Sidney Yudain, founding editor and publisher of Roll Call, who is credited with "discovering" Russell and steering him to the Carroll Arms Hotel across from the Russell Senate Building, the start of a Washington legend in political humor.

On hand for the Owls' Spring Hoot were 10 past NPC presidents and current President Alan Bjerga, who joined the Owls' chorus for a rendition of the "Mark Russell Sandwich Song" recalling a Press Club chef's concoction of ham and tongue. Doug Turner of the Buffalo News was the soloist.

Three past presidents, Gregory Spears (1992) Gil Klein (1994) and Larry Lipman (1999), were among 12 new Golden Owls inducted along with 42 Silver Owls .Another Washington personality, piano virtuoso John Eaton, made a surprise appearance with Russell to close out the evening.