Friday, March 20, 2015
It has been years since I have been to The Punchline in Atlanta. The wood paneled, dimly lit comedy club is nestled in an old strip mall and has been there for the past 33 years. Signed head shots hang on every flat surface of the club and there are some big names on those walls. There is a lot of history in this building but that history is going away.
The last show, the last howls of laughter, will be heard on the 29th of this month. Sunday. Just a few days away and 33 years of comedic and Atlanta history will close up shop.
Like I said, it has been years since I stepped through the doors of the club, but Friday I was invited to photograph Dick Kendall, Don DiPetta, Kenny Rogerson and Billy Gardell as they took the stage, entertaining a sold out crowd. Laughter, and a lot of it, filled the club as people sat packed at rows of tables. There were times that evening where it was hard keeping my camera still enough to take photographs as I was laughing along with them.
Billy Gardell, known for his stand up and for his role on the sitcom Mike & Molly among other things, admitted to the crowd what a special place The Punchline was to him towards the end of his time on stage. For the dimly lit, wood paneled, museum of comedy was where he first met his wife.
The end of an era starts on Sunday. Atlanta and the people living here will have a little less laughter and joy.
After 33 years in the same location off of Hilderbrand Dr. in Atlanta, The Punchline will be shutting its doors on March 29.
Kristen Abernathy (right) and Charity Reilly (center) talk with friends as they wait for Billy Gardell to take the stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Josh Howell (left) talks to his wife Brandy as they wait for Billy Gardell to take the stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
David Bratcher (left), his wife Amber and his parents Gail and Dallas talk as they wait for Billy Gardell to take the stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Jennifer Gastley (left) and her husband Dan look at pictures of comedians on the walls while their son Daniel looks at the menu as they wait for Billy Gardell to take the stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Ceitlin Liu (right) talks to Wesley Aleshire as they wait for Billy Gardell to take the stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Chris Summers (center) talks with friends as they wait for Billy Gardell to take the stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
A sold out crowd waits for Billy Gardell to take the stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Jason Bailey (left) talks to Rachel Guy as they wait for Billy Gardell to take the stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Comedian Dick Kendall opens for Billy Gardell at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Comedian Dick Kendall opens for Billy Gardell at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Jennifer Bomar (left) laughs as she watches comedian Dick Kendall open for Billy Gardell at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Comedian Don DiPetta opens for Billy Gardell at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Comedian Don DiPetta opens for Billy Gardell at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Fans watch comedian Kenny Rogerson perform on stage as he opens for Billy Gardell at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Comedian Kenny Rogerson opens for Billy Gardell at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Comedian Billy Gardell performs on stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Comedian Billy Gardell (right) performs on stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Jennifer Bomar (right) laughs as she watches comedian Billy Gardell perform on stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Comedian Billy Gardell (right) performs on stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Comedian Billy Gardell (right) performs on stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Sarah Tutt (center) laughs as she watches comedian Billy Gardell perform on stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Comedian Billy Gardell performs on stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Comedian Billy Gardell (right) performs on stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Comedian Billy Gardell performs on stage at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.
Don DiPetta (center) talks to fans after the show at The Punchline in Atlanta on Friday, March 20, 2015.