After several weeks of hosting some of the biggest names in the business, Tampa takes a break from mega-celebrities on Memorial Day weekend.
There are still plenty of funny shows, of course. Touring headliners and talented locals provide entertainment at several venues. And when you don't have the big names on the bill, you don't have the big ticket prices, either. So give your wallet a bit of a break and enjoy some outrageous talent at reasonable prices.
Here are your best bets this week:
Best of Comedy in the Raw at Tampa Improv. Each Wednesday, the Improv opens its bar area to hopefuls looking for stage time at their open mic night. This showcase in the main room represents the best of those efforts. Rob Prus, Mike Morris and Jeff Rey are among those getting a shot on the main stage. Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $6. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Sloan and Friends at Tampa Improv. Improv-regular Sloan heads up this Thursday night show. His misdirection and wit will be on display, with plenty of tags to bolster his strong punchlines. Showtime is Thursday at 8 p.m. $10. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
DeRay Davis at Tampa Improv. Davis has had roles in movies for years, but he's also an accomplished stand-up comedian. Relationships, family life — it all gets a straightforward, unfiltered analysis, with a lot of humor behind the observations. Showtimes are 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. and 9:30 p.m. $27-$30. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Joe Zimmerman at Side Splitters. Some comedians are high-energy performers, moving around the stage in a blur and peppering the audience with rapid-fire comedy. Zimmerman is not one of those comedians. He's quiet, almost reluctant on stage, with a soft-spoken demeanor. But his power is in the writing, with a self-critical style that shows a lot of time went into the premises. If you like clever comedy, this is a good show for you. 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.
Steve Netta at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Netta's fast-paced set covers his Italian heritage in a self-deprecating, clever way. Expect plenty of well-timed punchlines from this busy local performer, and a showcase of other comedians providing support. 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.
Helen Keaney at Coconuts. Keaney's a smiling presence with salty material. The longtime stand-up has plenty of clever premises, a likable stage personality and the ability to connect with an audience even as she delivers punch lines you wouldn't hear on television. And as a regular on the Home Shopping Network, you might actually see her on television. 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.
Jack Willhite at NPR Joke Factory. Willhite's more than just a guy with jokes. He's got a guitar, characters, costumes, parodies and plenty of entertainment in his set. Expect the unexpected, and a musical tint to the material. Showtime is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. $5-$7. 5015 US Highway 19, New Port Richey. Info: nprjokefactory.com or 727-807-6974.
John Carfi at 2 Palms Bar & Bistro. Carfi has a comfortable stage presence and a command of his material. Expect observational premises delivered with the ease of an experienced stage vet. Showtime is Saturday at 9 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: tampabaycomedy.com or 727-741-8014.
This article appears in May 14-20, 2015.