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AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Late-night talk show host Jay Leno came to the Palace of Auburn Hills to conduct two days of stand-up comedy routines. The idea was to offer a free night of comedy to automotive workers who have recently lost their jobs due to the bad economy. About 36,000 people showed up to see the comedian over the two-day event. This was the first time Leno ever did free comedy shows and it's something he may bring to other cities.

Admission, parking, beverages and snacks were all provided free to all attendees of the shows. Tickets for the event were passed out on March 16 and thousands waited in line for hours to get them. Attendees received a voucher for a Coca-Cola beverage upon entering the venue and a can of Pepsi after the show ended. Small bags of Dorito's chips were also passed out. All concession stands honored a 20 percent discount during the shows.

"It's great to be here in Detroit," said Leno after taking the stage. "Auburn Hills, I'm sorry."

Most of Leno's jokes dealt with the economy, the auto industry, current events, politics and celebrities. He also shared some details about his life and his marriage with wife, Mavis.

The 58-year old talk show host said he's been married for 29 years. "I came from a very small town," Leno said. "I had older parents. My parents were 40 when I was born."

The comedian mentioned how one of President Barack Obama's first moves was to close Guantanamo Bay. "That's how you know the economy's in bad shape," he said. "Terrorists are even losing their homes.

"It's a different world we live in folks. White collar crime is up. I'm so sick of these stupid scandals. The media and the press do not give you all the facts."

Leno toured Detroit's Big Three automakers -- GM, Ford and Chrysler while he was in town. "I saw some of the hybrids, the electrics. I see some great products."

The talk show host questioned why anyone would want to live in the state of California. "The state's broke. Just re-did our lottery. L.A. seems normal while you're living there. Abnormal things happen there. Why does anyone want to live in Malibu? Thirty to 40 houses wiped out in 20 minutes."

Leno talked about the nation's growing obesity problem. "We are a nation of excuse makers. How fat are we trying to get in this country?" He referenced the new Pastrami Burger at Carl's Jr. (also known as the Philly Cheesesteak Monster Thickburger at Hardee's). "When did meat become a condiment? We're getting fatter, our TV's are getting skinnier."

The comedian said that his wife has had a cat for 11 years. "See I like dogs. Men like dogs because a dog will pretend to be interested when a man is talking. Ever look for a cat? You seem like a pedofile."

The Sun Messengers, a local jazz band, performed a 30-minute set before Leno came out. He was introduced on stage by Detroit's own Kid Rock, someone who's sold out the venue 18 times.

"I feel really good about this city," Leno said. "Folks, it's rough but it's turning around. Detroit is one of the great cities in the U.S. Union members made the working class possible."

RELATED STORY: Jay Leno to perform free comedy show in Detroit for the unemployed

 

PHOTO BY LAURA ROZMUS / ©AMERICAJR.com

Detroit's own Kid Rock introduces Jay Leno.

 

PHOTO BY LAURA ROZMUS / ©AMERICAJR.com

Leno gives Kid Rock a hug after his introduction.

 

PHOTO BY LAURA ROZMUS / ©AMERICAJR.com

Jay Leno graphic on the big screen.

 

PHOTO BY LAURA ROZMUS / ©AMERICAJR.com

Leno said: "What happened to Maury Povich? I've always been fascinated by the promise of 'America's Most Wanted'."

 

PHOTO BY LAURA ROZMUS / ©AMERICAJR.com

"We live in a very politically correct world," Leno said.

 

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