Alonzo Bodden is (arguably) the funniest comic to win NBC's reality TV talent show Last Comic Standing. Of course, Bodden's also the only comic to be given the title after his season was cancelled. The subsequent final episode — in which his victory was actually revealed — never even aired on NBC but on Comedy Central, and several weeks after news of his win had already been leaked. Bodden has managed to rise above this unfortunate episode and has been beefing up his comedy resume ever since. This Friday night, he performs his laid-back observational humor at the Tampa Bay Comedy Fest. TradeWinds Island Resorts and Coconuts Comedy Club host this four-day bill of nationally touring comics — among them, Bodden, Jimmy Shubert, Nick DiPaolo, Wendy Liebman and Eddie Brill — as well as meet and greet events, comedic workshops, and even a show featuring eight comedians auditioning for the chance to perform on The Late Show with David Letterman. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new toy to donate to the Salvation Army for two tickets to an upcoming Coconuts show. Through Nov. 17, TradeWinds Island Grand, 5500 Gulf Blvd., and Sandpiper Suites, 6000 Gulf Blvd., both on St. Pete Beach, $10-$35 per show (hotel and ticket packages available), 727-363-2200, TampaBayComedyFest.com.
This article appears in Nov 14-20, 2007.