Memorial Day is Monday, and if you have a long weekend coming you probably want to spend some of it laughing. Venues have a variety of stand-up performers this week, with funny guys and ladies from around the country stopping by our comedy clubs. Here's the lineup for this weekend:
Lavell Crawford at Tampa Improv. Remember Saul's huge bodyguard in Breaking Bad? That was Crawford. Well, not really. He's nothing like the stoic Huell. On stage Crawford has an easygoing presence, quick wit and plenty of personal material. Crawford's also more popular than Huell: These are special engagement shows.
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. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Helen Keaney at Tampa Improv. Keaney's a regular on Home Shopping Network, but she's a comedian at heart. Her stage demeanor is personable and a bit edgy, running the gamut from work to relationships and everything in between. Showtimes are Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m.
Lynne Koplitz at Side Splitters. If you don't know her name, you might recognize her face or voice from numerous television and radio credits. Koplitz has been a headliner for several years, touring the country with her sarcastic outlook on family, relationships and other clever premises. 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. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Steve Sabo at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Sabo's been doing comedy for decades, but he doesn't really look the part. Instead of a jaded, grizzled road dog, Sabo looks more like your streetwise neighbor, telling funny stories with a little attitude and a lot of punchlines. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 36657 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: snappersgrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Danny Bevins at Coconuts (St. Pete Beach). Sometimes comedians don't look like comedians. Bevins, however, looks like a comedian. From his facial expressions to his comfortable stage demeanor, you can tell that he's comfortable telling well-polished stories with a mic in his hand. Showtimes are Wednesday-Saturday at 9:30 p.m. 6200 Gulf Blvd. at the Beachcomber Resort, St. Pete Beach. Info: coconutscomedyclubs.com or 727-360-5653.
Bull at Two Palms Bar & Bistro. Despite his name and appearance, Bull probably doesn't have a mean bone in his body. But he does have plenty of jokes, and he delivers them with a comfortable stage presence — and usually, a smile. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 2950 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: tampabaycomedy.com or 727-741-8014.
