August is about to get weird.
"Weird" as in Weird Al Yankovic is the biggest name in town this weekend, bringing decades of funny songs which now serve as pop culture history lessons. His musical comedy is the gold standard of song parodies, and fans will enjoy his diverse set this week.
But if you didn't get a ticket, there are plenty of other opportunities to enjoy comedy. Comedy clubs have a full slate of stand-up, and there are a number of free shows to see if you need to laugh on a budget.
Just pick your favorites and enjoy the week. Here's what's on tap:
Theaters and Special Events
Weird Al Yankovic at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Yankovic's become a bigger star than many of the artists he's parodied over the decades. Forget cheap puns; his songs are layered, his style varies and his fans are loyal. And he's capped off a 35-year career with his first #1 album, the Grammy-winning Mandatory Fun. But it will only be fun if you already bought tickets. You can't buy them on Ruth Eckerd Hall's site anymore. If you didn't, well, to quote his James Blunt parody…you're pitiful. Showtime is Thursday at 8 p.m. 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Info: rutheckerdhall.com or 727-791-7400.
Comedy Clubs
Godfrey at Tampa Improv. Yes, you might know Godfrey from a string of successful 7-Up spots years ago, but he's much more than a guy you know from commercials. He's a sharp writer, tackling controversial topics with ease and animated storytelling. And to say he's comfortable on stage is an understatement. He owns it, and his comedy stature keeps growing as he draws crowds around the country. 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. $15-$17. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Eric Schwartz at Tampa Improv. Schwartz is a comedian who puts his vocal talents to the test. Not just telling jokes, but mimicking autotune singers, Justin Timberlake and breaking out other pop culture references. If you like some variety with your stand-up, Schwartz is a creative option on Wednesday night. Showtime is Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. $5. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Nick Griffin at Side Splitters. With a low-key, sarcastic delivery, Griffin takes everyday events and filters life down to simple, humorous experiences. Griffin's at Side Splitters all weekend, but the Thursday show is a benefit for the Hillsborough Firefighters Benevolent Relief Fund. Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$30. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Forrest Shaw at Side Splitters. Shaw kind of looks like a guy who decided to do stand-up earlier that day and is just winging it. But that casual demeanor is the vehicle for the sharp turns and tags he adds to his premises. Relaxed and unrattled, the talented performer definitely has the bizarre critical eye possessed by many clever comedians. Showtime is Saturday at 6 p.m. $13-$15. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Willie Barcena at Snappers. Barcena's takes on women, family and relationships made him a favorite on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. The Latino comedian has plenty of crossover appeal, providing relatable material regardless of audience background. This is a special event weekend, so no Groupons or passes accepted for these shows.
Showtimes are Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $15. 36657 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: snappersgrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Chris Gorges at 2 Palms. Gorges is a blur on stage, moving from fast-paced set pieces to unscripted moments in the blink of an eye. That's not surprising, since he's been doing improvisational comedy for several years. It's apparent in his set, which features plenty of punchlines and unpredictable moments. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: 2palmstampabay.com or 727-400-6920.
Helen Keaney at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Keaney's a staple of the Home Shopping Network, but her stand-up features funny material you won't find during blow-out television sales. The longtime comedian uses adult wit to entertain a different kind of audience with her live stage material. 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
Rahn Hortman at Niagara Tap (free show). Local favorite Hortman is small in stature but packs a big punch with his set. Thoughtful and likable, his material covers family life and other observations. There's plenty of wit, but not a lot of adult material. If you like cleaner, clever comedy, this is the show for you. Showtime is Friday at 7 p.m. Free. 11950 Seminole Blvd. in Largo. Info: theniagaratap.com or 727-581-5331.
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 Chris Buck. Showtime is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Free (donation). 223 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Info: cigarcitycomedy.com.
Marina's Comedy Cruise at Hamburger Mary's. It's not an actual cruise, sadly. But this LGBT show features a trio of comedians with a drag queen host. Kelly Collette, Bunny, and Paulina Combow serve up laughs while Marina takes on emcee duties. Showtime is Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. $5. 1600 E. Seventh Ave. Info: 813-241-6279.
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 The Unprofessionals improv troupe. Showtime is Thursday at 9 p.m. Free. 2500 5th Ave N., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-498-8913.
Kava Komedy at Red Tiki Bar. This show follows the Kava formula of up-and-comers providing support to an experienced closer. For this one the audience will be entertained by Ben Hamilton. Showtime is Saturday at 8 p.m. Free. 7361 46th Ave N., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-914-8928.
This article appears in Aug 6-12, 2015.