A nice variety of touring headliners at comedy clubs, or one of many independent shows this weekend that feature talented locals. But wherever you go, there's plenty of funny on stages this week.
Theaters and Special Events
CL Pick: Frank Caliendo at Ruth Eckerd Hall. When you see Caliendo, you're not just getting the comedian. You're getting John Madden, Morgan Freeman, William Shatner and even a couple of Presidents. He's famous for imitating the famous with spot-on inflection and cadence, putting their voices into comedic situations the originals would never attempt. Showtime is Thursday at 8 p.m. $32.25-$100. 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Info: rutheckerdhall.com or 727-791-7400.
Comedy Clubs
Cat and Laz Show at Tampa Improv. Locals Catherine Maloney and Lazlow trade inappropriate tales and naughty humor. Both are good story-tellers and know how to engage a crowd. Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $7. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Adam Newman at Tampa Improv. Newman is a young guy with quick wit and a conversational style. He has a knack for getting an audience to laugh before he finishes the joke, which makes the punchlines hit even harder. 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. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Rahn Hortman at Side Splitters. Hortman isn't dirty, but he is funny. Expect plenty of thoughtful conversations about his family and other observations without the in-your-face blue material you'd find with most performers. Showtimes are Saturday at 10:15 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$16. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
CL Pick: Henry Cho at Side Splitters. Cho is a Korean-American with a southern accent from his Tennessee upbringing. As the comedian himself would say, that's a good comedic start. Expect plenty of stories and clever premises based on his unusual childhood, presented with the delivery and timing of an experienced performer. Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$16. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
R.C. Smith at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Smith is known as a top-notch warm-up act, entertaining audiences before famous television shows. If he can keep them laughing with his fast-paced set and likeable stage presence, imagine what he'll do with a crowd looking specifically for stand-up comedy. Showtimes are Thursday at 7:30 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.
Ted Holum at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Holum's a setup-punchline kind of guy. His comedy is pretty direct, with some wordplay and animated delivery to keep audiences laughing. 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.
Tony Gaud at Joke Factory. Gaud's sarcastic, self-deprecating set will be on display at this Thursday night show. The longtime comedy vet has a casual stage presence and a witty approach to life's frequent obstacles. Showtime is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. $5-$7. 5015 US Highway 19, New Port Richey. Info: NPRJokeFactory.com or 727-807-6974.
Bull at 2 Palms Bar & Bistro. Bull's known for a tough-looking exterior but a positive, friendly outlook. He shares personal stories with ease, and doesn't use the kind of offensive comedic material you might find at other shows. 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
Next Up comedy show at Cheers 54. This monthly showcase features a rotation of local talent. This month, Cam Bertrand, Amanda Jordan, Jared Waters, Parker Willis and Law Smith share funny stories and adult content. Showtime is Friday at 8:30 p.m. $5. 36616 State Road 54, Zephyrhills. Info: 813-788-3840.
Steve Arik and Johnny Oz at Finley's Irish Pub & Eatery. This regular free comedy show continues in April with Johnny Oz, whose witticisms often come from a smoky haze, and Steve Arik, the longtime comedy vet with a knack for entertaining crowds who like dirty material. Showtime is Saturday at 9 p.m. Free. 13477 Belcher Road S., Largo. Info: 727-535-7858.
Cigar City Comedy at Enigma St. Pete. This stand-up showcase features locals David Weingarten, Joe Riga and Matt Fernandez. They're all stage regulars who will step into downtown St. Pete to deliver jokes outside the comedy club setting. Showtime is Saturday at 9 p.m. Free. 1110 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-235-0867 or EnigmaStPete.com.
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.
