Memorial Day doesn't get the holiday television specials or people going to church for special services like other events on the calendar do. But it's an important holiday all the same. Honoring those who died in service to our country with a special day goes back 150 years, and we all owe a debt of gratitude to those who made that sacrifice for us.
And in a way, it makes sense to recognize the holiday by exercising a little extra freedom with our schedule. An extra day off, maybe a trip to the beac, or some fun with friends are usually on the agenda.
On that note, taking in a comedy show is a perfect way to add a few laughs to a long weekend. The usual crop of local shows are happening throughout the area, but a few touring headliners and special shows are in town as well.
To catch a comedian who's only in the area for a short time, take a look at these events:
Tom Cotter. Cotter was a finalist on America's Got Talent. That sounds like a good credit, but it's a bigger deal than you think. That show doesn't usually feature comedians, and when they do, they normally don't get very far. Television competition credits for stand-up are usually restricted to Last Comic Standing, but Cotter got past almost all the other acts (totally different than his) and finished an impressive second a few years back. He was beaten by trained dogs, of all things.
The point is, Cotter used his quick wit, clever observations and decades of stage experience to finish runner-up on a show that doesn't normally reward comedians. His fans — and fans of stand-up comedy — will get to enjoy a longer set of his material during his weekend run in Ybor City.
Here's a clip of Cotter's successful America's Got Talent run.
$20. 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.
Michael Palascak. You know how some people only want to talk about themselves? It's annoying, right? Well, unless you're a talented comedian like Palascak. Then it's a series of funny, self-deprecating stories that are slightly absurd, yet still relatable. And while you'd almost think he's too young to have enough interesting experiences to discuss, the former Last Comic Standing finalist has plenty of stories and observations to keep audiences laughing all weekend.
Check out this clip of Palascak.
$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.
Girls Night Out. This annual show at the Carrollwood Cultural Center continues in 2016 with a trio of funny ladies performing in Tampa. Emcee Amanda Jordan was our Best of the Bay pick for best up-and-coming female comedian. Feature Robin Savage is a local performer who published her first book last year. And headliner Rene' Bray is an experienced comedian and public speaker whose comfortable stage presence makes it easy for the audience to go along for the ride, whether she's sharing life experiences stories or telling dirty tales. You'll probably get plenty of both at this show.
Here's a bit of Bray's thoughtful wit.
$14-$20. Friday, 8 p.m. Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. 813-269-1310. carrollwoodcenter.org.
This article appears in May 26 – Jun 2, 2016.