(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — On the heels of Clear Channel Communications' news to spin off Clear Channel Entertainment as separate, publicly traded company (CelebrityAccess, April 29), Clear Channel Music Group has launched a new boutique style touring division, Punch Line Comedy Touring, headed by Geof Wills, vice president of Comedy. As head of the comedy division, Wills will manage the company’s West Coast touring projects and bookings and will assume and expand the work of the Bill Graham Presents Comedy Division.
“Punch Line Comedy Touring will bring the biggest names in comedy to national and international audiences,” said Wills. “Our goal is to produce high-profile, high-quality tours to better serve comedians and their fans. We will continue to cultivate club performers into theater and arena acts.”
Wills and Bjorn Wentlandt, a recent addition to the Music Group’s talent buying staff, will acquire and produce the tours.
Wills began his career in 1990, as a booker at the Punch Line Comedy Club in San Francisco. He has produced and presented numerous HBO and Comedy Central Specials, along with comedy tours and concerts featuring many of the country’s top comedians including: Dave Attell, Lewis Black, Wayne Brady, George Carlin, Dave Chappelle, Comedy Central Live, Ellen Degeneres, Jamie Foxx, Janeane Garofalo, Kids In The Hall, George Lopez, Stephen Lynch, Chris Rock, Mr. Show and Wanda Sykes.
“We are thrilled to present Punch Line Comedy Touring,” said Michael Rapino, president and CEO of Clear Channel Music Group. “Under Geof’s leadership and expertise we look forward to adding more tours across North America.” – Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
