Local comedian teams up with famous performer for show at TFAC  Saturday

TRYON — The Foothills’ resident comedian is once again looking to raise some money for one of her favorite charities — and she’s recruited a local promoter and one of the profession’s most legendary performers to help her do so.

All the trio needs now is an audience.

Landrum’s Pam Stone will team up with touring comedian Bob Nelson for a special standup comedy show at Tryon Fine Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The pair will be joined by promoter Mike Elis, who will serve as master of ceremonies during the show. 

The performance will be the second in a trio of appearances the three will make in the region this week, with the first taking place at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Walhalla Performing Arts Center. The final show of the tour will take place at The Artisan of Flat Rock on Monday.

A portion of the proceeds from the shows will go toward Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, a nonprofit organization that provides meals to homebound residents in Spartanburg County.

Stone — a former TV actress and current Bulletin columnist — has volunteered with Mobile Meals for years, and has emceed the organization’s annual fashion show fundraiser, she said. Last year, when Elis asked her if she would be interested in doing a standup comedy show at TFAC, Stone decided to donate a chunk of the proceeds to the nonprofit.

With last year’s sellout comedy show a smashing success, Stone and Elis decided to bring it back this year, expanding the event to three venues over three nights.

“It’s a great time to do this show, right before Thanksgiving,” Stone said. “People — especially those who live around here — remember to count their blessings and help those who are less fortunate.”

The pair recruited Nelson — best known by audiences across the U.S. for his comedy character skits, with performances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and on two HBO comedy specials — to join the performance.

Stone said she is hoping to make the charity performances an annual event.

For the Landrum comedian, who normally only performs standup for business functions these days, the upcoming tour will be a great opportunity for her to share a new repertoire of jokes with her neighbors and new audiences alike, she said. It will also be a good chance for her and the community to give back to an organization that supports  those in need.

“With everything so divisive and political these days, we just want audiences to forget about all that stuff and have a great time,” Stone said.

Those interested in learning more about Saturday’s performance may visit tryonarts.org/two-comedy-legends or call 828-859-8322.