CHOCOWINITY — Chocowinity’s own family entertainment venue is preparing to launch the second half of its 2014 season of shows.

Tar Heel Variety Theater will host a concert by the popular Malpass Brothers Saturday evening, the facility’s first show after a summer hiatus. That event begins at 7:30 p.m.

Later this month, the theater will present an original Gospel Singspiration, which owner Angie Lewis likened to the format of the Gaithers television show.

Lewis said she is still putting finishing touches on the theater’s fall line-up. But she promised audiences are in for a treat.

“We’re just so excited about the shows we have coming up from now until the end of the year,” said Lewis, whose family has operated the Tar Heel since 2002. “We’re also working on our Christmas shows, and we hope you all can come out for some great family entertainment.”

Comedian James Gregory will be back on the Chocowinity stage Sept. 27, and on Oct. 4 music legend Billy “Crash” Craddock will be in concert. Johnny Counterfeit  will blend comedy with music Oct. 18, Lewis added.

Gospel music fans are expected to fill the theater Nov. 8 for a concert headlined by Jeff and Sheri Easter. The Rocky Hock Opry will be back for its traditional pre-Christmas show Nov. 22.

Christmas-themed events are being planned for Dec. 6 and 13, and more details about those shows will be announced later, according to Lewis.

The Tar Heel has played host to a series of well-known country, gospel and bluegrass acts over the years. Headliners have included Bill Anderson, Connie Smith, Gene Watson, Ronnie McDowell, Chubby Checker, Dailey and Vincent, John Conlee, Jason Crabb and Ivan Parker.

“We’ve had a lot of great groups and they’ve all been good, clean entertainment,” Lewis said.

*Tar Heel Variety Theater is located at 485 Carrow Road in Chocowinity. For ticket information and details about upcoming shows, call 252-975-2117or visit www.tarheelvarietytheater.com.