Locals take center stage in many comedy clubs this weekend, with varying styles and stage material. But there are also touring headliners if you want someone well-traveled. And if you want to see a big name on stage, one of the best will be doing two shows on Saturday night.
Finally, if you need to save some cash, there's even a free show on tap. So there are plenty of chances to laugh, regardless of budget.
Here are your best bets this week:
Theaters and Special Events
CL Pick: Bill Burr at Ruth Eckerd Hall. You might know Burr from his turn on "Breaking Bad," or even his voice work in "Grand Theft Auto IV." But if you don't know him for his comedy, shame on you. Witty, sarcastic and quick-witted, Burr's confident stage presence gets all the appropriate comedy out of his premises, then backs the truck over them for an even bigger dose of inappropriate laughter. Showtimes are Saturday at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. $38.75-$100. 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Info: RuthEckerdHall.com or 727-791-7400.
Comedy Clubs
CL Pick: Tickle the Troops at Tampa Improv. United States Navy veterans Chuck Kirkpatrick, Rick Walters and Peter O'Keefe provide and evening of comedy to support the Wounded Warrior Project. Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $8. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Adam Ferrara at Tampa Improv. Ferrara's had some high-profile television gigs, but he's also been a stand-up comedian for decades. Expect discussions about family and religion in a thoughtful set with well-designed premises. 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. $17-$20. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Rocky LaPorte at Side Splitters. A former Last Comic Standing" finalist, LaPorte has a distinctive voice and an under-stated stage presence. That puts the emphasis on the jokes, which is a good thing. They're sharp and delivered with excellent timing.
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. $16-$18. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
CL Pick: 5th Annual Help Deaf Kids Talk at Side Splitters. Local comedian Rahn Hortman leads this show to benefit deaf children. His own daughter has a hearing disability, which he mentions in his clever set. Hortman's stand-up is edgy without being dirty, and provides good comedy for a good cause at the Saturday early show.
Showtime is Saturday at 6 p.m. $10. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Chris Gorges at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Gorges is a fast-paced performer with plenty of energy and improv elements (that's his background) peppered throughout his set. He performs all weekend, but with a variety of different comedians in support roles, making each show a little bit different.
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. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: SnappersGrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Jay Hewlett at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Hewlett stays on a comedy roll in the Tampa Bay area. He had a one-nighter last weekend, and is in town for a full week of shows by the beach. Expect more of his consistent, observational material.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.
Mike Rivera at 2 Palms Bar & Bistro. The View named him "America's Most Hilarious Teacher," and the longtime comedy vet shows why at this show in Clearwater. Expect an adult lesson plan from a skilled comedy educator.
Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: TampaBayComedy.com or 727-741-8014.
Vic Clevenger at Joke Factory. Clevenger's not a dirty comedian, instead relying on down-home charm and a casual, observational style. Armed with a cowboy hat, boots and plenty of punchlines, his likable stage presence keeps the laughter flowing. Showtime is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. $5-$7. 5015 US Highway 19, New Port Richey. Info: NPRJokeFactory.com or 727-807-6974.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
Sloan at Niagara Tap (free show). Sloan's set includes controversial topics and an up-front approach to his material. And while his timing is sharp, he also extends his punchlines with witty tags that show he's a strong writer, too.
Showtime is Friday at 7 p.m. Free. 11950 Seminole Blvd. in Largo. Info: TheNiagaraTap.com or 727-581-5331.
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.
This article appears in Apr 2-8, 2015.