If you like to laugh, you have no excuses this week.
We have national acts hitting theaters, funny road acts in comedy clubs and plenty of talent at independent shows. In fact, you're probably close to some stand-up comedy right now. Just follow the jokes.
Seriously, there are a lot of comedians on the schedule. Just pick what fits your sense of humor (and budget) and enjoy!
Here's the list:
Theaters and Special Events
Lewis Black at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Black's notorious, thought-provoking rants have entertained audiences for years. Now, with a Presidential election coming up, you can expect a fresh arsenal of politically-charged material delivered with his trademark style to appreciative fans.
Showtime is Saturday at 8 p.m. $28.75-$125. 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Info: rutheckerdhall.com or 727-791-7400.
Last Comic Standing at the Capitol Theatre. The finalists from this year's show are on tour together, and it stops in Clearwater on Sunday night. Ian Bagg, Michael Palascak, Dominique, Andy Erikson, and winner Clayton English should keep the funny coming at a fast pace for fans of the show, and comedy in general.
Showtime is Sunday at 7:30 p.m. $40-$125. 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Info: atthecap.com or 727-791-7400.
Bianca Del Rio's Rolodex of Hate at the Straz Center (Ferguson Hall). Del Rio's known for a big win on "RuPaul's Drag Race," and some larger-than-life comedy. The "Rolodex of Hate" moniker should give you a good idea of what to expect: Not a lot of sunshine and rainbows, some sharp claws and plenty of laughter.
Showtime is Sunday at 8 p.m. $40.95-$83.75. 1010 N. MacInnes Place in Tampa. Info: strazcenter.org or 813-229-7827.
Comedy Clubs
Sommore at Tampa Improv. Sommore delivers, clean, wholesome comedy to her fans. Just kidding. Brash and unapologetic, she's known for a confident attitude on stage, and heaps of adult content to keep audiences laughing.
Showtimes are Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $25. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Josh Sneed at Side Splitters. Sneed's sharp material, pop culture references and sarcasm comes to the forefront during his sets. It's a good combination, but it's the writing that sets him apart. He finds humor in places you've been and things you've seen, but didn't realize was funny at the time.
Showtimes are Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$16.50. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Cathy Ladman at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Ladman's a comedy vet, with decades of stage experience and plenty of television credits under her belt. Sometimes dry and deadpan, her witty material comes in the form of sarcastic premises that somehow come off sounding like sound advice and observations.
Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $12. 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: snappersgrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Leslie Norris at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). There's something missing in Norris' set: Crude material. The popular corporate speaker serves up clever, clean comedy for those who prefer their laughs without the adult content.
Showtimes are through Saturday at 9:30 p.m. $18-$22. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: coconutscomedyclubs.com or 727-360-5653.
Terry Gillespie at 2 Palms. Gillespie, known as "Mr Rubberface," contorts his mug into funny shapes for laughs. But it's supplemented with the bright comedy of a guy who's been doing it for decades, and the delivery of a comedian who still enjoys his work.
Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: 2palmstampabay.com or 727-400-6920.
One-nighters and Independent shows
Lazlow at Niagara Tap (free show). Lazlow's set has plenty of clever material, but he doesn't really stick to a script. An audience interaction can take things in a different direction, eventually weaving back to one of his weird stories.
Showtime is Friday at 7 p.m. 11950 Seminole Blvd. in Largo. Info: theniagaratap.com or 727-581-5331.
G. David Howard at Sporty's On The Beach. Howard's weekly residence at Sporty's features the longtime comedian drawing from his decades of stage experience. He mixes his regular material with plenty of crowd work to provide the kind of set only a true stand-up veteran can provide.
By the way, there's a coupon for $5 off his show on Howard's website under "special offers."
Showtime is Friday and Saturday at 9:05 p.m. $20. 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. Info: 727-596-6725 or gdavidhoward.com.
Rick Stepinksy at Aviators Sports Pub. Local talent Stepinsky offers up his observations through a comic lens, putting his years in front of the mic to good use. Down-home comedian Tim "The Dairy Farmer" provides support.
Showtime is Friday at 8 p.m. $10. 3535 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater. Info: 727-577-9100.
Gutterballs Comedy Cabaret at The Alley. This regular show features a showcase of up-and-comers with a professional performing in the middle and another to close out the show. Stage vets Carmen Ciricillo and Johnny Oz provide the experienced material on Friday night.
Showtime is Friday at 8 p.m. $5. 10221 Big Bend Road, Riverview. Info: 813-672-8353.
