- Catch Pete Davidson at Tampa Improv.
Comedy Clubs
Pete Davidson at Tampa Improv. Davidson isn't one of those guys who's been doing comedy for 20 years. That would be difficult, since he's only 21. But his active career has been in high gear for some time now, with popular turns on Saturday Night Live and MTV's Guy Code keeping him in the spotlight. He's built a following at comedy clubs with his casual wit and comfortable delivery, entertaining audiences who have probably been going to clubs longer than he's been allowed to enter them. Showtimes are Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. $22. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Sunday Funnies Pro Showcase at Tampa Improv. This showcase features a dozen local talents, including Aniria, Kyle Ruse and Rafiq Shaheen. Veteran comedian Tony Gaud anchors the event. Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m. $5. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Ken Miller at Tampa Improv. Miller, a previous Florida's Funniest Comedian contest winner, comes in from Orlando for a couple of headlining sets. He'll share his straight-forward observations about family and other everyday occurrences with the cynical-but-clever view of a talented stand-up. Showtime is Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 8 p.m. $5. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Jamie Kennedy at Side Splitters. Kennedy can be hard to pigeon-hole. He's a genuine comedian/actor with a talent for sketch comedy. So naturally, his stand-up is a bit more theatrical, with plenty of voices and animated expressions to accentuate his punchlines. Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $20-$25. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Pretty Paul Parsons at Side Splitters. Parsons redefines the term "dirty old man." The stand-up septuagenarian brings a set full of adult, inappropriate content, much to the delight of the thick-skinned members of his audience. Showtime is Saturday at 10:30 p.m. $14-$16.50. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Myke Herlihy at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Herlihy's set is a couple parts stand-up comedy, and a couple parts magic. He's skilled at both, so the end result is a comfortable stage presence, clever jokes and some sleight of hand.
Showtimes are Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $12. 36657 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: snappersgrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Lou Angelwolf at 2 Palms. Angelwolf is a longtime comedy vet with a casual style and plenty of positive energy. But he still takes a sarcastic look at life, and has decades of material he can use to entertain audiences. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: 727-400-6920 or 2PalmsTampaBay.com.
Carl Rimi at Coconuts. Rimi has good energy and provides plenty of jokes during a fast-paced set. Expect plenty of tags and topics from a guy who puts a lot into each premise. Showtimes are Wednesday through Saturday at 9:30 p.m. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: coconutscomedyclubs.com or 727-360-5653.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
Cigar City Comedy at Wicked 'Wiches. This weekly free show (donations accepted) includes a few shorter sets followed by a featured closer, usually delivering adult material. This week's closer is Michael Murillo.
Showtime is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Free (donation). 223 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Info: cigarcitycomedy.com.
Kava Komedy at Bula Cafe. This regular show features local up-and-comers to warm up the crowd, and a more established closer to cap things off. This week it's Tampa's funniest dirty old man, Pretty Paul Parsons.
Showtime is Thursday at 9 p.m. Free. 2500 5th Ave N., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-498-8913.
This article appears in Jul 23-29, 2015.