There's a good reason to watch some comedy this weekend: You won't miss much in the way of sports.
Baseball is done. The Lightning and hockey take their All-Star break after Wednesday. The NFL also has a little time off before the Super Bowl, so there's no football this weekend.
Yes, we know the Pro Bowl is Sunday. But let's be honest: That's not a real game. It's a paid athlete vacation. Nobody even remembers who wins these things. The real game is a week later, and everybody knows it.
So this week, it's all about stand-up comedy, and there are plenty of good options on the schedule. Here are your best bets:
Theaters and Special Events
Jim Jefferies. Jefferies is a great storyteller, connecting with the audience like they're all sharing a beer at a local pub. Only this acclaimed comedian's stories, unlike what you hear at your local watering hole, are always sharp, clever and finish strong. He also isn't afraid to tackle sensitive subjects like gun control, so expect some dialogue on real topics presented in his unique comedic style. $39.50-$49.50. Fri., 8 p.m. Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa. 813-274-8286. tampatheatre.org.
Comedy Clubs
Mike Merryfield. Listening to Merryfield, it sounds like he never gets into his material, instead veering off into bizarre, hilarious tangents. Then you realize that's his material, and you settle in for a fun evening where you really have no idea where the funny conversation will go. $5. Wed., 8 p.m. Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa.813-864-4000. improvtampa.com.
Michael Blackson. Blackson is known as the "African King of Comedy," and uses his background and perspectives to elicit laughs from his audiences. And as a 20-year comedy vet, he knows how to do it in an entertaining way.
$25. Thurs., 8 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Sat., 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.; and Sun., 7 p.m. Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. 813-864-4000. improvtampa.com.
Dale Jones. You ever meet someone who was just funny – where they could say something and it would be much funnier than if someone else said it? Jones is one of those guys. The Nashville comedian is a "Last Comic Standing" alum with a southern drawl and a likable stage presence. His material is funny, but it's the way he presents it that really keeps audiences laughing. $10-$16.50. Thurs., 8:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.; Sat., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.; and Sun., 7 p.m. Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa.813-960-1197. sidesplitterscomedy.com.
Tyrone Davis. Davis' animated set is full of energetic comedy. It might even wear you out, but you won't have trouble hearing him, and you definitely won't be sitting bored in your chair. $12. Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Snappers Grill & Comedy Club, 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. 727-938-2027. snappersgrill.com.
Darryl Lenox. Lenox is visually-impaired, but he's not about to let that stop his comedic rise. If you had any notions of pity for the clever comedian, leave them at home. In fact, it's actually part of his material, along with a positive outlook, a likable stage presence and plenty of witty jokes. $18-$25. Wed.-Sat., 9:30 p.m. Coconuts, 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-360-5653 or coconutscomedyclubs.com.
Sloan. Local favorite Sloan is a strong writer not afraid to tackle taboo subjects like race with no reservations. His misdirection and wit are served up with a casual stage presence, and features plenty of tags to bolster his strong punchlines. $10. Sat., 8:30 p.m. 2 Palms, 2950 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater. 727-400-6920. 2palmstampabay.com.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
Ward Smith and Friends. This semi-regular showcase is put together by longtime comedian and actor Ward Smith, who also delivers a set that evening. Alan Schubowsky heads the lineup, birnging his decades of experience and self-deprecating material to the stage. Backing him up is Aniria and emcee Amanda Jordan, a pair of clever (and politically-incorrect) ladies. $15-$18. Fri., 8 p.m. The Palladium Side Door, 253 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-822-3590. mypalladium.org.
James Yon. Animated and clever, Yon will keep crowds laughing in Hernando Beach Saturday night. He'll have plenty of help, too: Experienced headliner Ricky Reyes will drop by for a set, and Long Island Mary will perform as well. $15. Sat., 8:30 p.m. R Beach, 4045 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. 352-592-5556.
Shit Sandwich Comedy Showcase. OK, the name doesn't necessarily imply a great show. But in reality, there's a lot of talent on tap at this bi-weekly event in Brandon. This time out, a number of shorter sets will be followed by closer J.B. Ball, a previous "Florida's Funniest Comedian" winner, and current holder of our "Best of the Bay" title for stand-up comedy. Free. Thurs., 9 p.m. Fox and Hounds, 229 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon. 813-438-8913 or foxandhoundsbritishpub.com.
G. David Howard. 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. $20. Fri. and Sat., 9:35 p.m. Sporty's On The Beach, 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. 727-596-6725. gdavidhoward.com.
This article appears in Jan 21-27, 2016.