October is going to be a huge month in terms of comedy in Tampa Bay. We're not there yet, but there are still plenty of comedy options on tap this week. With so many clubs and venues, there's always something happening. There are a couple of independent shows sprinkled in for good measure, too. Just pick your favorite and catch a show.
Here's the lineup:
Comedy Clubs
A Joke Off at Tampa Improv. Comedians face off two at a time using random topics, and the winner (by audience applause) moves on to the next round. Eventually, just one remains. Think of it as a rap battle, but with comedy instead of rhymes. Showtime is Thursday at 8 p.m. $7. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Bob Marley at Tampa Improv. Not that Bob Marley, obviously. But this one is very entertaining, too. An veteran stand-up and regular on the late-night circuit, Marley's observational storytelling keeps audiences laughing to relatable premises, even when they're a little far-fetched. 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. $20. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Red Grant at Tampa Improv. Grant is brash and outspoken with his adult comedy. And he doesn't mind getting theatrical if it maximizes the punchline.
Showtime is Sunday at 9:30 p.m. $25. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Gary Conrad at Tampa Improv. At Conrad's comedy hypnosis show, the audience provides the entertainment. He puts volunteers through comedic paces, taking his time-tested premises and creating something new each night. Showtime is Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. $5. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
April Macie at Side Splitters. Macie, a Last Comic Standing alum, dishes out sexually-charged material by the truckload. Her funny takes on what happens behind closed doors are delivered with salty language and supreme confidence. If you're easily-offended, this isn't the show for you. But if your brand of comedy is tinted blue, look no further. 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.
Al Romas at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Romas, a previous "Best of the Bay" stand-up comedy winner, has decades of experience and plenty of funny premises. But it's his banter with the crowd that really stands out, supplementing his own clever material with audience interactions that often steal the show.
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.
Carmen Ciricillo at 2 Palms. Ciricillo has an everyman's attitude (he's sometimes known as "The Construction Comic," after all) and the presence of a stand-up comedian with decades of experience. His material is sometimes self-deprecating, usually pretty straight-forward and designed to keep audiences laughing with a no-frills look at both work and family life. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: 2palmstampabay.com or 727-400-6920.
Ron Vaudry at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Vaudry has a thoughtful comedic style and a comfortable stage demeanor, which should play well with the local and tourists near the beach this weekend. 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
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 Andrew Silas. Showtime is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Free (donation). 223 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Info: cigarcitycomedy.com.
Comics at the Comic Shop at Heroes' Haven. As the name implies, this is a showcase of up-and-coming locals telling jokes at a comic book shop. Allan Dempsey, Rob Prus, Rafiq Shaheen, Jack Johnson and Ashley Mostoller are scheduled to perform. Showtime is Saturday at 8 p.m. $8-$10. 4339 Gunn Highway, Tampa. Info: 813-269-8859 or heroeshavencomics.com.
This article appears in Sep 17-23, 2015.