Wednesday, Feb. 01, 2012

Arts series hits a bump

Comedian has to reschedule

The first performance in the It's Showtime! series at the Garner Performing Arts Center has been rescheduled for August.

James Gregory, who has been performing stand-up comedy for more than two decades, was set to kick off the series on Friday. But Gregory suffered complications from minor oral surgery, and the show is now set for Aug. 24, said Debbie Dunn, manager of the GPAC.

"It's just one of those things," Dunn said. "It created a small bump in the road."

It's Showtime! is likely the first performance series in Garner's history. The town has focused on bringing more cultural arts to the 471-seat historic auditorium, which was recently renamed the Garner Performing Arts Center.

Anyone who already bought tickets for Gregory's performance can use them for the August show, see another show in the series or get a refund.

Gregory's upcoming performance generated some buzz, Dunn said. The GPAC had sold about 170 tickets for the show, and Gregory had sold another 100 or so through his website, she added.

"The phone was ringing off the hook," Dunn said.

Now, the series' first performance will feature mentalist Craig Karges on March 17. The John Brown Quintet and The Groove Shop will follow on April 13. Eddie Miles, an Elvis tribute artist, will wrap up the series on May 12.

Season tickets are available for $70. The season pass includes admission for the Garner Showcase of Talent on Feb. 11.

Dunn said she was pleased that people are expressing interest in It's Showtime! As part of a renewed focus on the arts, the town removed trees in front of the auditorium venue and did landscaping work to be more visually pleasing.

"It makes a big difference," Dunn said.

To get a refund for Gregory tickets, send a written request and the tickets to: Debbie Dunn, GPAC Manager, Garner Performing Arts Center, 900 Seventh Ave., Garner, NC 27529.