Legendary Comedian plays Panida Sept. 20

SANDPOINT – How does a guy with a chemical engineering degree earn a good living? Become a comedian. What do you do with fruit and other healthy foods your mother made you eat? You smash them.

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, the legendary comedian Gallagher stops in at the Panida as a part of his final farewell smash tour.

Born in Fort Bragg, N.C., to a family of Irish and Croatian heritage, he began working in the industry as the road manager to Jim Stafford, traveling and honing his own craft in spots such as the Comedy Store and the Ice House. He was repeatedly denied appearance on The Tonight Show in the 1970s and 1980s, as Johnny Carson disliked prop comedy. However, he was liked by some of the program’s staff, and Gallagher eventually performed several times on the show when guest hosts were filling in for Carson.

He was one of the most popular and recognizable American comedians during the 1980s. His comedy specials for Showtime have been re-broadcast numerous times over the years, as have his appearances on Comedy Central. His signature fruit aside, he has always been known for an outstanding comedy routine.

He performed once before at the Panida many years ago but without watermelons. This being his farewell tour, it didn’t seem right to not allow for the signature sketch of a pitch for the “Sledge-O-Matic” — a large wooden mallet that he uses to smash a variety of food items and other objects, culminating with a watermelon. Gallagher also uses wordplay in his act, pointing out the eccentricities of the English language. Traveling with Gallagher on this final farewell tour is well-known and loved comedian, Artie Fletcher. People looking for a memorable night filled with creative, fun and energetic humor should not miss his show.

Gallagher literally invented the television stand-up comedy special of today. Before him, no one ever had that level of interaction with a live audience. Come catch a part of that legend and enjoy yourself at the Panida, whether you bravely sit in the ultra splash zone, the splash zone or the somewhat safer section you will have captured a part of a moment that is common when the legend takes his last curtain call.

Tickets are $29-$59, available online at: www.panida.org or at the box office on the night of the event (if not already sold out). This performance will include adult content.