As Lafayette Gatling continues working on securing financing to buy the Roanoke Rapids Theatre, several events are now planned at the venue through December, Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon told council at its work session tonight.

Following the meeting, City Attorney Gilbert Chichester confirmed the deal for the Chicago businessman to buy the theater was progressing

Simeon said Brencore Entertainment plans a Luther Vandross tribute featuring William “Smooth” Wardlaw on February 18.

They will follow that show up with a Motown tribute later. In April there will be an Easter program while in May there will be a three-day dance recital.

Perhaps one of the more unconventional uses will be June 23 and June 24 when a wedding with some 700 to 900 guests will be held at the venue. Simeon declined to release details on the wedding itself but said the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau anticipates an injection of some $225,000 from the event.

A Christmas show is already planned and Simeon said at least four other shows are in the process of being booked.

In other matters tonight:

Council was told by Public Works Director Larry Chalker cleanup from Hurricane Irene, with the exception of some final grinding, has been completed. The city expects $715,876 in reimbursement. Chalker said 75 percent will come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the remaining 25 percent will be released by the state once a final inspection is done.

Was told by Interim City Manager Ed Wyatt and Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky a new brochure is available at the Planning and Development Department which explains the steps and permits that need to be taken to start a business in the city. The brochure will also soon be available on the city's website.