Saturday night, world-class talent is coming to Douglas for the second week in a row. Last week, the Martin Centre hosted Josh Peavy, a Douglas native who has made multiple national television appearances. This Saturday, it’s comedian Tom Mabe and singer Herbie Russ, a talented singer/saxophonist who appeared on Season 12 of America’s Got Talent.
Mabe is a nationally-recognized comedian who has been performing for over two decades. He has become well known for his numerous pranks, particularly with regard to telemarketing calls. Mabe is, however, much more than a prankster. He’s also a talented stand-up comedian and has carved out a niche for himself with clean, family-friendly comedy that pokes fun at many of the everyday occurrences that all Americans experience.
Mabe spoke with DouglasNow.com Thursday afternoon and provided a little hint at what the Douglas-Coffee County audience can expect to see. “It’s a family-friendly event. You can bring your eight-year old or you can bring your minister,” the Kentucky native says. He calls his subject matter “dysfunction junction.” “We’re going to talk about taking a trip in a minivan and normal things like that. I promise you, everyone will fee good about their family after hearing about mine.”
A conservative Christian who is a deacon in his church back home, Mabe says he tries to stay away from politics and religion. It’s not that he’s timid about his faith and opinions on the issues. It’s simply that given the current sensitive nature of the current cultural climate, those two topics can quickly alienate an audience. “I try not to talk about politics. And I don’t talk about church much unless I’m performing in a church. I want everyone to enjoy themselves. I tell people we’ll worship in the morning. Tonight, we’re going to have a good time,” he states.
Russ performed on Season 12 of America’s Got Talent. According to the AGT wiki page, Russ made it to the Judge Cuts round where he sang and played the saxophone on “With a Little Help from My Friends,” a Beatles original. Despite receiving standing ovations from two judges, he didn’t make it to the quarterfinals.
Russ will open Saturday night’s show with a 30-minute set. Mabe will follow with an hour-long set. Doors open at 6 p.m. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online, at Norris Shoe Store, and Anytime Fitness in Douglas. Advance tickets are $15 and $20 at the door. This will be a fun night of big-city entertainment right here in Douglas’s own Martin Centre. You don’t want to miss it.