Sarah Husser, the GEM’s public relations director, said Cordell’s show is an event for the entire family and will include both Gospel & Rock-n-Roll selections.
According to Husser, there are a limited number of reserved seats for $20 each. General admission tickets are $15. Tickets for children 12 and under are $8.
Tickets are on sale now at Fitness First of Calhoun, the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce, Traditions of Rome and at the GEM Web site, www.calhoungem.org.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. for an Elvis Look Alike Contest. Winner will be awarded a cash prize. More details available at www.calhoungem.org.
Event proceeds will benefit the GEM Theatre and assist in interior restoration efforts.
The GEM, which opened on North Wall Street in 1927, was Calhoun’s first movie theater. The building it occupies was originally a furniture store, but when it went out of business, half of the building became a theater and the other half a hardware store. When the hardware store went out of business, the Gem’s owners bought that half of the building and upgraded it.
In the 1940s, the Martin family bought the Gem and changed the name to the Martin Theatre, operating the venue on North Wall Street until the Martin Triple opened on Bryant Parkway.
The late Raymond King, bought the building in 2003 and donated it to the Friends of the GEM, which have been working since then to restore the historic downtown theater as a performing arts venue.
Interior renovations will include a new stage for live performances and a theater screen for movies. A state-of-the-art light and sound system will also be installed. The old projection room will be recreated but will have modern equipment inside.
The interior renovation, the third phase of the restoration project, is expected to cost $1.2 million to complete. The total restoration project has a price tag of $2.5 million
The first phase of the renovation put a new roof on the building. The second phase of the renovation, which includes most of the exterior work, was completed last year.
The GEM’s marquee, which was completed last year, now graces the theater’s façade and lights up downtown Calhoun at night.
For a preview of Cordell’s March 19 show, visit www.mattcordellaselvis.org.
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