LEGENDARY COMEDIAN GEORGE CARLIN TO PERFORM
HBO SPECIAL LIVE FROM SANTA ROSA

Santa Rosa, CA (November 22, 2007) – George Carlin, the legendary comedian known world-over for his no-holds-barred insightful comedy, has chosen Sonoma County’s own Wells Fargo Center for the Arts as the location for his 14th HBO Special, “It’s Bad for Ya.” Carlin, who is celebrating over 50 years in show business, will perform two Santa Rosa concerts, February 29 and March 1, with the March 1st performance airing live to the world on HBO. The February 29th performance will also be recorded for HBO.

“This is a huge compliment for this Arts Center and for our Sonoma County audiences,” said Rick Bartalini, Director of Programming. “Mr. Carlin is an icon in the business and one of the most accomplished and sought-after comedians in the world. He has his pick of venues across the country and has, in fact, previously performed HBO Specials at such renowned New York City theaters as Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, and the Beacon. The fact that he chose Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa is a real testament to the level of artist care that we provide and have provided for over 25-years. It also speaks very highly of the people of Sonoma County, whom artists find exceptionally warm and welcoming. During one recent concert, comedian Lewis Black remarked that the audience ‘brought an energy to the room’ that he rarely sees. Comments such as this carry a great deal of weight in the business and have helped to create the Center’s remarkable reputation.”

Less than a year ago, Emmy Award-winning comedian Kathy Griffin taped her highest rated Bravo Television special at Santa Rosa’s Wells Fargo Center for the Arts.  In 2005, Comedy Central’s Lewis Black named his CD after the Arts Center. Early next year, an as-yet unannounced comedic icon will also tape a national television special at the Center.

George Carlin fans attending the February 29th and March 1st performances can expect all new material from the legendary comedian. “Doing new stuff is a point of pride with me,” says Carlin. “People may not consider it so, but stand-up comedy is one of the performing arts and artists are supposed to grow and evolve over time. Through the years, my technique has sharpened, my writing has improved, and even my observations have grown richer. For a person like me, age is an asset.” As for what we can expect in the next HBO special, Carlin says, "Audiences will hear about the BS we all live with in America - things we don't question, things we take for granted and accept," he says. "We're not doing our job as citizens. America is circling the drain and I watch these circles in America getting faster and smaller."

TICKETS

George Carlin, Live “It’s Bad for Ya” appears two nights only, February 29 at 8:00 pm (doors close at 7:30 pm) and March 1 at 7:00 pm (doors close at 6:30 pm.) Tickets ($45) go on-sale Friday, November 30th at noon and are available at the Box Office located at 50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa, by phone at 707-546-3600, and online at wellsfargocenterarts.org. 

Visit George Carlin’s official website at: www.georgecarlin.com

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Patrons please note the following special conditions apply for these performances:

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The non-profit Wells Fargo Center for the Arts is the North Bay's premier arts organization presenting world-class performances, contemporary sculpture, festivals, and events to 500,000 residents and visitors each year. Together with its resident companies, Wells Fargo Center for the Arts provides more than 100 annual performances, serves to present intriguing contemporary art, and is one of California's largest providers of arts education programs for children. Located in the heart of the Wine Country, Wells Fargo Center for the Arts campus features spacious auditoriums, an intimate cabaret, and outdoor festival grounds with a big-top tent. Unlike many similar organizations, Wells Fargo Center for the Arts is not aligned with any federal, state, or municipal entity-such as a city or university. The Center was created by and is supported by the community it serves, making it uniquely positioned as an independent, entrepreneurial-focused, non-profit arts organization. We serve to Enrich, Educate and Entertain - Connecting Our Community through the Arts.