This week you have comedians on opposite sides of the spectrum performing. On one hand you have an all-star lineup featuring some of the better-known names in comedy. It's also the priciest ticket of the week.
On the other, you have a number of shows put on by local comedians. Quite a few of them are funny themselves, and making names for themselves in the Tampa Bay area. Those shows are pretty cheap — less than $10 in many cases, with some free shows in there, too.
So whether you want to check out some tried-and-true comedy names, or sample some of the local funny fare, you have good options this week.
Here are your best bets:
Theaters and Special Events
CL Pick: Mike Calta's Brew Ha-Ha at The Mahaffey Theater. Radio personality Mike Calta (102.5 FM The Bone) is throwing a stand-up comedy party, and the list of names alone makes it the hottest bill of the week. Artie Lange, Jim Norton and Robert Kelly will all perform very adult material with their own special style. Each of them headlines successful gigs on their own, so a show with all three is something special. Calta's band Pitbull Toddler will make an appearance as well. Showtime is Friday at 8 p.m. $39-$59. 400 1st St. S., St. Petersburg. Info: TheMahaffey.com or 727-893-7832.
Comedy Clubs
Crumpled Napkin at Tampa Improv. Cigar City Comedy showcases their performers' stand-up talents on Wednesday night, with a little something extra. In addition to traditional stand-up comedy, they'll go a few rounds with audience suggestions, mining random topics for funny material off the tops of their heads.
Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $7. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
CL Pick: John Heffron at Tampa Improv. Heffron won the second season of "Last Comic Standing," and then he came in third the following season. From married life to childhood memories, Heffron's got a lock on relatable absurdities that are both frustrating and funny at the same time. Showtimes are Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $17-$20. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Happy Cole at Side Splitters. Is there a better name for a stand-up comedian? His comfortable demeanor contrasts with bursts of animation when he gives life to some of the characters in his jokes. Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$16.50. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Paul Bond at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Bond can do the traditional stand-up thing. But he's also likely to pick up a guitar for a musical impression, or deliver a witty parody. He's toured with Jim Breuer and played in his back-up band, so the dual threat will likely show off a few talents this weekend. Showtimes are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $15-$18. 36657 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: SnappersGrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Ken Evans at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Evans does a lot of complaining, but he does it with a smile. You've probably dealt with his pet peeves, but you didn't handle it with his brand of good humor. Showtimes are Wednesday through Saturday at 9:30 p.m. $18-$22. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: CoconutsComedyClubs.com or 727-360-5653.
Johnny Oz at 2 Palms Bar & Bistro. Oz has a casual demeanor but a sharp wit. His topics include recreational smoking, the frustrations of everyday life, and maybe a little extra recreational smoking. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: TampaBayComedy.com or 727-741-8014.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
Cigar City Comedy at Enigma St. Pete (free show). This monthly stand-up event is a showcase for local talent. This month will feature performances from Michael Murillo, Amanda Jordan, Ragel Thys, Steve Miller and Law Smith.
Showtime is Saturday at 9 p.m. Free. 1110 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-235-0867 or EnigmaStPete.com.
Next Up Comedy Show at Cheers 54. This comedy show in Zephyrhills features locals Rio Paris, Amanda Jordan, Jared Waters and Antonio Milton. They'll serve up adult-oriented content in a new monthly event. Showtime is Friday at 8:30 p.m. $5. 36616 State Road 54, Zephyrhills. Info: 813-788-3840.
G. David Howard at Sporty's On The Beach. 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. By the way, there's a $5 coupon for this show on Howard's website under "special offers." Showtime is Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $20. 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. Info: 727-596-6725 or GDavidHoward.com.
This article appears in Mar 12-18, 2015.