PICKENS COUNTY — James Gregory, also known as “The Funniest Man in America,” will appear Feb. 18 at Clemson Little Theatre to entertain and delight fans of comedy in the Upstate.

Gregory, who makes an appearance every year in Greenville, Simpsonville, Fountain Inn or Newberry, as well as the Pickens County area, doesn’t do Southern humor as many might suppose. He is proud his routine is family friendly and available to anyone who enjoys a good laugh at life.

“Everyone should know my show is for the whole family. There aren’t that many touring comedians out there that the entire family, parents, kids, grandparents, can go and see anymore,” Gregory said. “Just awhile back I did a show in Florida and there were three generations of one family right there in the audience. Not only is it a fun show for the whole family, it’s hysterically entertaining.”

Gregory, who always seems to be on even during casual conversations and interviews, made jokes at his own expense and was quick to point out how fortunate he is to be doing something which not only “pays the bills” but is a blessing. Gregory spent some years as a salesman, mostly the door to door kind, before stumbling into comedy.

“I was always a fan of good comedy and one of the first comedy clubs around was The Punch Line in Atlanta. Me and my friends would go to the club, which was open Tuesday through Sunday each week, and Tuesday night was what was called open mic night,” Gregory said of how he got into comedy. “Prior to 1982 you didn’t see live stand-up except in places like New York, LA, Chicago, and Boston. My friends kept telling me I was funny and should go on a Tuesday and eventually i did and that was over 34 years ago.”

The comedian was quick to point out that, although comedy is fun, it isn’t any different from anything else.

“I am very fortunate. Doing this pays the bills and the truth is there’s no such thing as a perfect job,” he explained. “No matter what business you’re in you have bad days, bad weeks, and every day is not perfect. I was in outside high pressure sales for about 10 years.”

Gregory, who calls Woodstock, Ga., and the Metro Atlanta area home, is always glad when he gets back to Upstate South Carolina. He enjoys working the Southeast region to stay closer to home, and is looking forward to an opportunity to get back in front of a crowd in the Pickens County area.

Gregory’s performance is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Tickets can be bought through the Clemson Little Theatre box office at 864-646-8100 or online at www.clemsonlittletheatre.com.

James Gregory is appearing Feb. 18 at Clemson Little Theatre, bringing his family friendly and nationally renowned standup routine to the area.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_james-gregory-comedian-2-eac41a7914131f14.jpgJames Gregory is appearing Feb. 18 at Clemson Little Theatre, bringing his family friendly and nationally renowned standup routine to the area. Courtesy photo

By D. C. Moody

dmoody@civitasmedia.com

Reach D. C. Moody at 864-855-0355.