There's a lot of diversity in the comedy shows this week. Musical comedy, comedy hypnosis, a vaudeville-type show, local talent and nationally-known performers are all in town to entertain this week. Where you go will depend on how you like to laugh, but there's bound to be something for everyone this week.
Here's the lineup:
Theaters and Special Events
Nick Thune at The Ritz. Armed with a guitar and plenty of dry wit, Thune expresses himself with funny songs, or musical jokes, or a similar hybrid of chords and comedy. These aren't song parodies. They're usually curious stories amplified with six strings and the clever mind of an experienced comedian.
Showtime is Sunday at 8 p.m. $15-$18. 1503 E. 7th Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: theritzybor.com or 813-390-0397.
Comedy Clubs
20 Penny Circus at Tampa Improv. The 20 Penny Circus isn't comedy per se, but there is a macabre humor in the acts. It's more of a vaudevillian curiosity show, with fire-breathing, theatrics and magic. And we're quite sure there's nothing else like it on stage this week. Showtime is Thursday at 8 p.m. $10. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Rob Schneider at Tampa Improv. Fans know and love Schneider from his Saturday Night Live characters and his film roles. But before he was a character-actor Schneider was a writer and stand-up comedian, and decades later he's still at it. Expect sizeable crowds at these special engagement shows. Showtimes are Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. $27-$30. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Benji Brown at Tampa Improv. Brown, known for his popular turns on radio and television, and sketches on Youtube, performs stand-up on Sunday night with a healthy serving of his creative voices and characters. They accentuate his punchlines and keep audiences engaged throughout his set. Both shows are special engagements. Showtimes are Sunday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $18. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Michael Mack at Tampa Improv. Mack's musical comedy sometimes takes a decidedly-theatrical bent, offering unique visuals to accompany his songs. It's a different experience that you'll find with most stand-up comedians — even the ones with guitars. Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $5. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Rich Guzzi at Side Splitters. Guzzi's show is comedy hypnotism, which means the former comes from the latter. Volunteers will become part of the show, bowing to Guzzi's suggestions to the delight of the audience. It's unpredictable comedy that deviates from the traditional stand-up formula. 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 10:30 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$16.50. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Johnny B at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Johnny B packs a strong punch during a hefty set that often includes self-deprecating rants and family experiences. The local radio personality (on 102.5 FM The Bone) is first and foremost a comedian, and will put that talent on display at five shows this week. 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.
J.B. Ball at 2 Palms. Ball is Florida's Funniest Comedian (according to the annual competition) and the winner of Side Splitters' March Madness comedy contest as well. But judges aren't the only ones who appreciate his casual style and pop culture references. His likable personality keeps audiences engaged and laughing through a set that varies each night, weaving together established favorites and newer material. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: 2palmstampabay.com or 727-400-6920.
Chris Barnes at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Barnes has a comfortable stage presence and a knack for storytelling. His matter-of-fact delivery allows him to ease into each premise in a conversational manner, letting the audience follow him to each punchline. Showtimes are Wednesday through Saturday at 9:30 p.m. $18-$20. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: coconutscomedyclubs.com or 727-360-5653.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
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 Kojo Prince. Showtime is Thursday at 9 p.m. Free. 2500 5th Ave N., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-498-8913.
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 Law Smith. Showtime is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Free (donation). 223 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Info: cigarcitycomedy.com.
This article appears in Aug 13-19, 2015.