The historic San Francisco Punchline Comedy Club announced that they will be closing this summer after 40 legendary years of bringing laughs to the bay area. According to a source close to the Punchline, the owners of the building have refused to renew the club’s lease which ends August 20th.
The Punchline is truly a legendary place for comedy. Hosting amazing comics over the years such as Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, Amy Schumer, and Michael Che, to name a handful. Not only have famous comedians performed here, but the Punchline has given so many local comedians an opportunity to showcase their talents. I have a handful of friends myself who give their all on this stage most weekends.
After causing a uproar on twitter from bay area residents and comedians (both local and beyond), locals, politicians, and comedians' Dave Chappelle and Kamau Bell rallied on the steps of San Francisco City Hall this last Tuesday to save the Punchline Comedy Club.
"If you let an institution like that go, you're really gonna kill a part of the city's heart, at least for me," said Dave Chappelle. He also shared, "When they say special things happen in that room is an understatement....That was the last place I saw Robin Williams alive. I was there when I found out I was having my first kid." before performing 3 sold out nights at the Punchline.
Now Google (which is already leasing space next to the Punch Line) is speaking up. They want to be a good neighbor and help the club.
After San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peski mentioned that Google may be coming into the space once the Punch Line leaves. The tech giant responded on NBC Bay Area stating that, "The Punch Line has been a key part of San Francisco’s culture and community for 40 years," "As a neighbor, Google is committed to trying to find a way for the Punch Line to remain a vibrant part of the Bay Area community for years to come." Read the full story here.