Gallagher coming to town, sans hammer

I know, I know -- these shows have been on the calendar for awhile now, so this isn't "Just In" ... but Gallagher's upcoming performances in the Charlotte area inadvertently fell off my radar after I first learned about them, so now I'm making amends.

First, the legendary comedian will perform standup at McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 7. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by clicking here. ... Then at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, fans will have the opportunity to laugh at/with the funnyman again, when he takes the stage at Lake Norman Comedy Zone, which is located in the Galway Hooker Pub (17044 Kenton Drive in Cornelius). General admission tickets are $25 and available at lkncomedyzone.com.

The now-64-year-old prop comic became a household name in the 1980s smashing produce and other items with his trademark “Sledge-O-Matic.” However, both of next week's shows are listed as "no sledgehammer shows" -- so you can leave your raincoats at home.

Gallagher was last seen in the Charlotte area during a 2002 show at Ovens Auditorium.