Staff Writer

Lsenn@CalhounTimes.com

Soon citizens of Calhoun will be privy to the humor of the funniest man in America, according to Ted King, GEM Theatre Board member.

Renowned Georgia comedian, James Gregory will be performing at the Civic Auditorium in Cal-houn on Aug. 29 in a benefit show for the GEM Theatre’s $2 million restoration project.

The exterior of the building has already undergone a complete restoration, but according to King the interior of the GEM has been gutted as the board makes preparations to begin interior restora-tions in August. The GEM was originally opened in the 1920’s and was expanded to fit a growing audience in 1939. The theatre operated for 37 more years before closing in 1976.

“We hope to have it completed in one year,” said King.

The Friends of The GEM is a restoration committee that is dedicated to seeing the GEM restored to its original state. The group hosts two standard fundraisers a year, one of them includes the Black Tie to Blue Jeans Ball, which is held in November. But, King says the comedy night featuring Greg-ory is the biggest fundraiser the group will see.

“We are expecting a sellout crowd. We are prepared to have a standing room only section,” King said.

Gregory has entertained thousands in sell out concerts and corporate events. He is the self-proclaimed “Funniest Man in America,” a statement King agrees with.

“He appeals to everyone. He has a down home sense of humor that I think we all can relate to,” he said.

King said that Gregory, a Georgia native, was an immediate pick for the event because several Friends of the GEM members were already fans of Gregory.

“He is the funniest thing you’ve ever heard,” King said.

King says that this is just a preview of the events and attractions the GEM will have to offer.

“Once the GEM is up and running we will in bring more acts like James Gregory to Calhoun,” he said.

Tickets are on sale now at calhoungem.com and at Fitness First in Calhoun by calling 706-629-9101. Tickets are $25 for reserved seating and $20 for general admission.

The Civic Auditorium seats 1,000 and King expects seats to go quickly. Doors open at 7 p.m. and there will be an opening act before Gregory takes the stage.