NORFOLK, Neb. -- A household name from the early 2000s is coming to northeast Nebraska for a comedy show this weekend.

Actor and comedian Jamie Kennedy will be performing at the District Event Center this Friday and Saturday in Norfolk.

Kennedy is best known for his tv show "The Jamie Kennedy Experiment" and movies "Malibu's Most Wanted", "Son of the Mask", and the "Scream" franchise.

Other comedians had recommended District Event Center to Kennedy as a great place to perform in Nebraska.

"I'm hearing a lot about this room. It's supposed to be a really curated, comedy room," Kennedy said. "A lot of great comics had played it and it's getting its reputation of this gem in the middle of Nebraska. I got the offer and I was like 'Oh that's awesome!'"  

Kennedy has been performing standup comedy for over 30 years.

He is best known for his portrayal of different characters, and has grown a strong social media following for dealing with hecklers. 

Kennedy said that as he performed and traveled more and more, he learned what worked for him and what audiences found funny.

"Comedy is about going out there if I can say it, with your six-string guitar if you will, but instead, it's a microphone and just going from town-to-town and learning what works and trying jokes," he said. "So, I think traveling has really helped me."

Kennedy said his biggest influences in the comedy industry are Joan Rivers, Eddie Murphy, George Carlin, and Bill Burr.

He also said that he enjoys performing even more now, post the Covid-19 pandemic.

"People love to laugh now," Kennedy said. "We've had a crazy three years. Places like this, these little amazing spots that really curated comedy because of Netflix has really become a new form of Rock 'N' Roll. So, I think if people want to have fun and escape for a couple of hours, I would appreciate it."

District Event Center owner Andrew McCarthy said that booking and preparing for shows takes a lot of hard work, but is always worth it in the end.

"It means a lot," he said. "When the hard work comes to fruition. The show takes a lot of time and a lot of people to get set up chairs, tables. So to see once the show starts and takes the stage that's when it hits you we are doing something great for the community and it's great to have A-list celebrities like Jamie Kennedy show up here."

For tickets to this weekend's shows, click here.