There are many reasons why 2016 needs to go.
An overdose of politics, dead celebrities and Pokemon GO (that's over, right?) have us wanting a fresh start and a new year. And if you felt like crying in 2016, say farewell with a few laughs. New Year's Eve is a popular night for comedy clubs.
Not only are they open, but they have special shows that often include party favors and a champagne toast at the end of the evening. Or, if you have other plans, catch the early show and then head out to a party. The shows might cost a little more, but it's a special evening. We're kicking the old year to the curb and starting things new, and the best way to do that is with a smile on your face.
Here's the roundup of New Year's Eve comedy shows (all shows take place on, well, New Year's Eve):
Christian Finnegan. Finnegan (seen on Chappelle's Show and the long-running Best Week Ever) has a dry, sharp wit and a relaxed stage demeanor. There's an intelligence to his material, but it's not safe comedy. Shocking and smart go hand-in-hand when he's on stage.
Here's a bit of Finnegan's comedy.
Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. 7:30 p.m.: $25 or $45 with dinner; 10:30 p.m.: $25 or $35 with snacks, champagne and party favors. 813-864-4000. improvtampa.com.
Ralphie May. May's been a comedy heavyweight since he was runner-up on the first season of Last Comic Standing. Since then, very little of what he says can be put on television. Brash and outspoken, May dominates the stage with a casual presence but a no-nonsense perspective on race and other sensitive subjects. And every time you see him he's got plenty of new material for you.
Here's a taste of May on stage (NSFW, of course).
Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 5:30 p.m., $35; 7:45 p.m., $35; and 10:30 p.m., $35-$90. 813-960-1197. sidesplitterscomedy.com.
Gemini. Gemini's show is certainly comedy, but it's not limited to stand-up. There's some illusion, some ventriloquism and some performance humor. And, of course, plenty of jokes. A seasoned performer, Gemini has no problem navigating back and forth through a variety of styles. it's all funny, but this show is for people who want some diversity in their comedy delivery.
Snappers Grill & Comedy Club, 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.: $20 online; $25 door. 727-938-2027. snappersgrill.com.
Chris Barnes. With decades of stage experience, Barnes' storytelling is comfortable, entertaining and impeccably timed. Both casual and expressive, he keeps audiences laughing with a great sense of what's funny and a delivery to match. Long-time local comedian Danny Bevins (a headliner in his own right) is also part of the show.
Coconuts, 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 7 p.m.: $35; 9:30 p.m., $49. 727-360-5653. coconutscomedyclubs.com.
Michael Murillo takes comedy seriously. Follow him on Twitter and watch for his monthly Laugh Tract rundown of how to laugh in the Tampa Bay are.
This article appears in Dec 22-29, 2016.
