"America's Funniest Man" Coming to Mauldin

A uniquely Southern brand of observational comedy and story-telling will be on display next week when "America's Funniest Man" James Gregory hits the stage at the Mauldin Cultural Center on Thursday, February 28 at 7 p.m.

The Georgia-born stand-up comic performed his first paid show in South Carolina more than 20 years ago. In the time since, Gregory has amassed a nationwide following built largely on the strength of his tireless touring and intimate stage shows. 

South Carolina, an easy drive from his Atlanta, is an annual destination on his tour, and one that he looks forward to each year.

“It just becomes like an old glove or hat,” Gregory said in a 2008 interview with the Anderson Independent-Mail. “I’m in my second generation with some of these people and have performed to grandparents, parents and, now, children. It’s just great.”

Gregory could be considered one of the first “blue-collar comedians.” His performances are widely observational and include pet peeves, irks and the general absurdity of life. And while many comedians strive for their entire careers to get the next “big gig,” Gregory said he continues to love the intimate comedy club feeling that many of his shows provide.

“I wanted that TV exposure and shows in front of thousands of people a while back,” Gregory said, “but it was something I just never was able to cater to. It just never seemed to work out.”

After 10 years of auditioning in Hollywood three times a year, Gregory embraced what made him a star in the Southeast and the rest of the country. And it was what made him a household name all over this area today.

Tickets for his are $27 and $35 and are available online at www.mauldinculturalcenter.org, at the Mauldin Cultural Center's office and at the door. The Mauldin Cultural Center is located at 101 East Butler Road in Mauldin.

For a taste of Gregory's stand-up, watch the attached video above.