By Rita Howell

When concert promoter Bridgett Sanders of Memphis needed logistical help with Saturday night’s Comedy and Blues Tour engagement at the Batesville Civic Center, she turned to a group with ties all over the community: the Pegues family.

“The whole family is helping us promote the show,” Sanders said last week.

Gilbert Pegues and Ezell Pegues will handle security for the event, and others in the large, extended family have been passing out flyers and distributing information about the show, which is the first stop on a 35-city national tour that will stretch into next year.

Performing will be blues artists Theodis Ealey, known for his hit “Stand Up In It,” Karen Wolfe, Toni Green, Carl Sims, and Senatobia’s Mark “Muleman” Massey.

Comedian/actor Reginald Ballard, known for his portrayal of “Bruh Man” on the TV series Martin, will also appear.

Comedian/actress Sonja D will host the show.

Advance tickets start at $25 and are available at the Batesville Civic Center box office. The box office will be open Saturday morning. Tickets at the door will start at $30.

“We’re encouraging people to buy their tickets in advance and avoid standing in a long line,” Sanders said.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7.

The show will include a “best dressed” contest for audience members at intermission.

In addition, there will be a special tribute to Greenville-born bluesman J. Blackfoot, who died last November of cancer. Members of Blackfoot’s family will be in attendance to accept a donation from the Comedy and Blues Tour.