Comedy clubs and other venues have a lot of talent on tap this weekend, and some will have different performers headlining different shows. You might see one comedian at the early show, and another at the late show.
There's also a comedy roast and some free shows. Just pick what you want to see and enjoy. Here's what's happening this weekend:
Comedy Clubs
Kier Spates at Tampa Improv. Spates is better known as "Junior" to fans of The Steve Harvey Morning Show, but either way he's known for outrageous comedy. Expect frank discussions about women and relationships with a no-nonsense attitude and plenty of punchlines. 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. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: improvtampa.com or (813) 864-4000.
Doug Stanhope at Tampa Improv. Stanhope often looks agitated on stage, and sometimes it seems like he's talking to himself. But the audience should be listening anyway, because the conversation is almost always relatable and funny. One night only. Showtime is Tuesday at 8 p.m.
25 To Life at Tampa Improv. Most comedy shows don't feature a comedian with at least 25 years in the business, and almost none of them feature two. But this one-night-only show has three performers at that level of experience — Lou Angelwolf, Steve Arik and Mike Rivera — each with a unique style and confidence that has won over audiences for decades. Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Down N' Dirty at Tampa Improv. If you don't like cursing, stay home. If offensive material bothers you, don't come to the show. But if you like your comedy off-color and a bit mean-spirited, Catherine Maloney, Johnny B, Kyle Ruse, Jim Choquette and Michael Murillo have the show for you. Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m.
Jim Norton at Side Splitters. From Comedy Central roasts to the popular Opie & Anthony radio program, Norton is known for his sarcastic observations that range from angry to vulgar to downright mean. But through it all, he keeps audiences laughing with the prevailing notion that his targets probably deserve it. Showtimes are Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or (813) 960-1197.
Ken Miller at Side Splitters. Miller is the winner of the most recent "Florida's Funniest Comedian" competition. He's also a single dad, and mines a lot of funny material out of life's absurdities as head of his household.
Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m.
G. David Howard at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Howard has been doing comedy longer than a lot of his audience members have been alive. He's also known for a performance that spanned 16 straight hours without a break or repeating any jokes. Don't expect a repeat of that marathon show, but there will be enough material to keep audiences happy. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 36657 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: snappersgrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Tim Moffett at Coconuts Comedy Club (Beachcomber Resort). Tim "The Dairy Farmer" is away from the farm and at the beach all this week. He serves up down-home comedy with folksy charm. Through Saturday at 9:30 p.m. 6200 Gulf Blvd. at the Beachcomber Resort, St. Pete Beach. Info: coconutscomedyclubs.com or 727-360-5653.
Pat Duax at Jack's Joint. Duax shares his observations about everyday life with the timing and stage presence of a comedy vet. One night only. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: tampabaycomedy.com or 727-741-8014.
One-nighters and independent shows
The Cowhead Show Funeral and Roast at TPepin's Hospitality Centre. The funeral isn't for "Cowhead" the person, whose popular radio program can be heard weekdays on 102.5 The Bone. It's for "Cowhead" the moniker, as Mike Calta will brand his show with his actual name from here on out. But to say goodbye to the name he's used for years, a star-studded comedy roast is in order: Bert Kreischer, Jim Florentine, Robert Kelly, Greg Fitzsimmons and Jim Norton team up with local talents Johnny B and Maurice Jovan to give Calta's old name a send-off full of insults and comedy. The show is currently sold out, but more tickets might become available during the week. Showtime is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. 4121 N. 50th St., Tampa. Info: theboneonline.com or 813-367-0040.
Lou Angelwolf at Niagara Tap (free show). Angelwolf is a longtime comedy vet with a casual, comfortable style. His humorous observations are usually served with a lot of wit and a smile. Showtime is Friday at 7 p.m. Niagara Tap is located at 11950 Seminole Blvd. in Largo. For more information, visit theniagaratap.com or call 727-581-5331.
Lou Angelwolf at Oldsmar Tap House (free show). Angelwolf (see above) makes his third stop of the week in Oldsmar, and performs before the venue's popular weekly adult trivia game. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 300 State St. E., Oldsmar. Info: 813-475-5996.
Cigar City Comedy at Visconti International (free show). Comedy on a rooftop? This is actually the second show in this series, where people bring their own lawn chairs and refreshments (adult and otherwise), and listen to local comedians do their thing. Rahn Hortman, John Jacobs and Law Smith are among the acts performing.
Showtime is Thursday at 8 p.m. 2021 N. Lemans Blvd., Tampa. Info: cigarcitycomedy.com.
Baby Boomer Comedy Show at Largo Cultural Center. If this week's "Down N' Dirty" show at Tampa Improv sounds like hell to you, this one should sound like heaven. Kent Raider and Jan McInnis are touring comedians known for their clean material. Their Baby Boomer hits that generation with funny takes on family, work and other daily experiences. Showtime is Saturday at 8 p.m. 105 Third St. SE, Largo. Info: 727-587-6751.
