A week after city council found Lafayette Gatling in default on his Roanoke Rapids Theatre payment, the venue’s manager announced one show has been confirmed and one is awaiting contract approval.

Charles Davis, manager of the venue, said comedian Rickey Smiley will perform at the theater May 21.

According to his website biography, Smiley has been working the comedy circuit for the past 16 years, establishing himself as a clean comic with down home southern humor.

Best known as host of the 2000 season of BET's ComicView, he led the show to its highest jump in ratings in the show's 10-year history. BET then quickly signed him to host The Way We Do It during the 2001-2002 season, and that show went on to become one of the top five shows on the network.

Meanwhile, Davis said the theater has tentatively scheduled The Drifters for June 5. “We’re waiting for the contract to come back.”

Whatever happens with the theater, Davis the venue is also planning a two-day Blues, Bluegrass and Barbecue Festival in June.

After meeting in closed session for one hour and 25 minutes last Monday, Roanoke Rapids City Council unanimously found Gatling and L&M Hospitality in default. They also, with a no vote from Carl Ferebee, voted to end the contract drafted March 9 of last year with the Chicago businessman, who owes the city $182,000.