This might be the best possible time to see Jim Breuer. The longtime comedian, known for his uncanny impressions (including rock stars, including AC/DC's Brian Johnson) hits Clearwater just a few days after one of his targets has retired from touring. AC/DC's Brian Johnson has been advised to stop performing or risk permanent hearing loss. That means their entire tour has been postponed, and it could be the end of the iconic rock band.
So why does that matter to comedy fans? Because nobody can merge funny premises and rock vocals the way Breuer can. Impressions are just one facet of his comedy, of course. But it's somewhat comforting to know that somebody can still resurrect Johnson's legendary growl on stage, even if for a moment. And it doesn't come from a bar band; it comes from a talented comedian.
Of course, there's a full slate of great stand-up at other locations as well. Enjoy another week of comedy with these upcoming shows:
Theaters and Special Events
Jim Breuer. As he proved on his stint on Saturday Night Live, Breuer is capable of several credible impressions; he can do Joe Pesci as easily as AC/DC's Brian Johnson. Sometimes they're a springboard for his comedy premises, and sometimes he uses his decades of stand-up experiences to craft jokes for live audiences. Breuer provides a varied comedic experience to the delight of his many fans. Who else can go from stand-up comedy to a spot-on impression of your favorite heavy metal band? It's a one-man show, but there will be plenty of characters on display Saturday night.
$28-$33. Sat., 8 p.m. The Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400. atthecap.com.
Comedy Clubs
Jessimae Peluso. The "Girl Code" alum steps away from MTV and onto the comedy club stage with some frank talk about relationships and other topics. Expect no-nonsense dialogue that shapes recognizable frustrations into funny premises.
$20. Fri., 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Sat., 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m. Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa.813-864-4000. improvtampa.com.
Elite 8. Side Splitters doesn't normally have Wednesday shows, but this is a special event. Eight contestants remain in their annual contest, and half move on after this evening. Four battles will feature local hopefuls dishing out their best material.
$10-$12. Wed., 8 p.m. Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 813-960-1197. sidesplitterscomedy.com.
Jon Reep. Reep might be known to many people as the guy from the Dodge "Hemi" commercials. But he's also a "Last Comic Standing" winner, and he uses his down-home delivery to point out absurdities in an animated way.
$18-$20. Thurs., 8:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.; Sat., 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m. Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 813-960-1197. sidesplitterscomedy.com.
Ken Miller. Miller is a previous winner of the Florida's Funniest Comedian competition. He's also a single dad, and mines a lot of funny material out of family stories and no-nonsense opinions accentuated by a calm demeanor and likable personality.
$10. Sat., 6 p.m. Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 813-960-1197. sidesplitterscomedy.com.
Chris Gorges. Gorges works a fast-paced set, with constant motion and a stream-of-consciousness delivery. He uses his extensive improvisational talents to connect with the audience, providing humorous moments that go beyond his material.
$12. Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Snappers Grill & Comedy Club, 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. 727-938-2027 snappersgrill.com.
Mike "Mad Dog" Adams. For a guy with the nickname "Mad Dog," Adams doesn't seem mad at all. Adams is equal parts musician and comedian and seems pretty happy running through a set of jokes and sing-alongs, all with the comfortable presence of a guy with decades of stage experience.
$18-$25. Wed.–Sat., 9:30 p.m. Coconuts, 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-360-5653. coconutscomedyclubs.com.
Steve Netta. Netta's set covers his Italian heritage in a self-deprecating, clever way. The experienced performer runs through his material with an ease expected from someone with decades of stage experience.
$10. Sat., 8:30 p.m. 2 Palms, 2950 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Sat., 727-400-6920. 2palmstampabay.com.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
Steve Netta. Netter's (see listing, above) in Largo for this set, which still features his sharp wordplay, random childhood references and nod to his Italian-American background.
Free. Fri., 7 p.m. Niagara Tap, 11950 Seminole Blvd., Largo. 727-581-5331. theniagaratap.com.
Humor For Healing. This Kava Komedy show is a fundraiser for Paralyzed Veterans of America, an organization that provides support to wounded service personnel. Animated comedian Kojo Prince and clever musical comic Ben Hamilton co-headline the event.
$20. Fri. 7 p.m. American Legion Seminole Post 111, 6918 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. KavaKomedy.com.
Chris Heist. Heist is perceptive, political and pretty dark. We're talking about a guy who will sleep in his car to get some extra stage time, so imagine what he'll do with his own full-length show.
Free. Sat., 9 p.m. Pegasus Lounge, 10008 N. 30th St., Tampa. 813-971-1679.
G. David Howard. 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.
$20. Sat., 9:35 p.m. Sporty's On The Beach, 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. 727-596-6725. gdavidhoward.com.
This article appears in Mar 3-9, 2016.