Well, we got through Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day. We even made it past the NFL draft and most of the political primary season. So what else could there be to celebrate with some good stand-up comedy?
Well, May is National Hamburger Month. It's also National Salad Month, too. You do the math. And this week happens to be National Etiquette Week. So pretty please, won't you kindly consider some stand-up comedy in your leisure activities? Thank you so much!
OK, enough of that. Here are your best bets:
Theaters and Special Events
Michael Carbonaro. Looking for a traditional mic-and-stand comedy experience? You'll have to look elsewhere. Carbonaro's magic show includes a lot of comedy, audience interaction and high-energy theatrics. And convincing magic, of course. One night only.
$36.50. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400. rutheckerdhall.com.
Comedy Clubs
Gary Conrad. Conrad's comedy hypnosis show puts volunteers into unusual and funny situations. It's not long before the power of suggestion produces plenty of antics on stage and laugher in the audience.
$5-$10. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. 813-864-4000. improvtampa.com.
Lavell Crawford. Remember Saul's huge bodyguard in Breaking Bad? That was Crawford. Well, not really: He's nothing like the stoic Huell. On stage, Crawford has an easygoing presence, quick wit and a wealth of personal material to engage audiences.
$30. Friday, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 7 p.m.Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. 813-864-4000. improvtampa.com.
Sean Donnelly. Donnelly has a calm presence, until he gets into the absurdities of his premises. Then he pairs some high-pitched enthusiasm with funny slice-of-life observations, and lends a comedians' voice to some things the audience has probably experienced in their lives.
$10-$16.50. Thursday, 8:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.; Saturday, 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.; and Sunday, 7 p.m. Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 813-960-1197. sidesplitterscomedy.com.
Janet Williams. The "Tennessee Tramp" brings her naughty, blue-collar comedy to Snappers for a weekend run of shows. There's no pretentious humor here. Just a large helping of bawdy adult comedy for thick skins.
$12. Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 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.
Carmen Ciricillo. Ciricillo, sometimes known as "The Construction Comic," gives audiences a no-frills look at both work and family life, with the appropriate adult language that accompanies frustrations in both arenas. The end result is familiar topics presented in a unique way.
$18-$25. Wednesday – Saturday, 9:30 p.m. Coconuts, 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-360-5653. coconutscomedyclubs.com.
J.B. Ball. Ball is Florida's Funniest Comedian (according to the annual competition) and the winner of Side Splitters' March Madness comedy contest as well. Oh, and he was our "Best of the Bay" critics' pick for Best Comedian.
But judges aren't the only ones who appreciate his casual style and pop culture references: His personality keeps audiences engaged and laughing through a set that varies each night.
$10. Saturday, 8:30 p.m. Jungle Bill's, 2950 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater. 727-400-6920. 2palmstampabay.com.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
Bryan Hamilton. Hamilton looks like a guy you don't want to mess with, but it's just an act. We think it is, anyway. What we do know is that he presents family situations and other premises in a slightly-bizarre but entertaining way, and delivers punchlines with the ease of a seasoned stage veteran.
Free. Friday, 7 p.m. Niagara Tap, 11950 Seminole Blvd., Largo. 727-581-5331. theniagaratap.com.
Fox and Hounds Comedy Night. This twice-monthly show features a number of support sets by local comedians followed by an established closer. This week it's Jared Waters. Oh, and the show is free.
Fox and Hounds (229 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon) Thursday, 9 p.m. 813-438-8913 or foxandhoundsbritishpub.com. Free.
Chris Matson. Matson's dry sarcasm permeates throughout his entertaining set, whether he's talking about relationships, pop culture or personal anecdotes.
Free. Saturday, 9 p.m. Peggy O'Neill's, 13910 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. 813-749-7192. peggyoneillsoldsmar.com.
This article appears in May 5-11, 2016.