July 2, 2013
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Guess who's coming to Centre? Comedian James Gregory, on July 27 By SCOTT WRIGHT CENTRE — If you enjoy a good laugh you'll want to circle Saturday, July 27 on your calendar and put a big smiley face inside. Comedian James Gregory, the “Funniest Man in America,” is coming to the Gadsden State Cherokee Arena for a one-time performance. The event is the idea of a pair of local business owners and is dedicated to first responders. The show, sponsored by Paul Davis Restoration in Centre, will be free to first responders—volunteers and full-time firemen, paramedics, police officers, etc.—and their families. Tickets will also be available to the general public for $10 ($12 at the door). Paul Davis co-owner Kevin Green said he is hoping for at least a thousand people to be waiting that night to welcome Gregory to Cherokee County. The Cherokee Arena has seating for around 2,000. “James Gregory is a really big name in the world of stand-up comedy,” Green said. “It's an honor to have him here, and it's for a really good cause.” Gregory, who is celebrating his 30th anniversary in comedy in 2013, was born in Georgia and grew up in a small town near Atlanta. He released his first comedy album, “It Could Be A Law, I Don't Know,” in 1990 and has been entertaining sold-out crowds with his untucked shirt and “rib-tickling reflections on life from the front porch” for decades. On his website (www.funniestman.com), Gregory attributes his success to the values he grew up with, which to him means vulgarity-free, homespun humor. “I have lived long enough to know people, know life,” Gregory says in the biographical section of his website. “My comedy is based on my life experiences. It's real, it's funny and the audience loves it. That's why I'm still in business.” In addition to Gregory and his opening act, Green and co-owner Jake Graves expect to have several first responder-related merchandise and equipment dealers on hand to cater to the guests of honor. “We're inviting vendors for police departments to set up and sell Tasers and bullet-proof vests, and fire equipment-related sellers with items such as turnout gear, hoses, helmets, those types of things,” Green said. “We want to make this an annual event that shines a spotlight on first responders. They volunteer their time and sometimes put their lives on the line. They deserve our appreciation.” “We want to extend an invitation to all first responders who are interested in coming to Centre on the 27th and enjoying a night of family-friendly fun and laughter,” Green said. “We're inviting everyone, whether they are from fire departments or rescue squads or whatever, anywhere in north Alabama and Georgia. We want this to be a really big deal for them, something they can look to every year, going forward.” Tickets are available at Paul Davis on the Chesnut Bypass and at the Chamber of Commerce next door to the arena on the Gadsden State Cherokee campus in Centre. The show begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more information call event coordinator Ashley Hellums Nix at 256-927-9658. |