Aside from one notable show featuring a pair of famous comedians at The Mahaffey, comedy clubs are your source for funny performers this weekend. Locals and nationally-touring headliners mix it up on stages throughout the bay area with varying comedic styles. Here's what's on tap this weekend:
Theaters
Steve Martin and Martin Short at The Mahaffey. If you don't know who Steve Martin and Martin Short are, you probably haven't watched comedy over the past few decades. In any case, two of the "Three Amigos" will be on stage Sunday night. It's not exactly stand-up, but there will be music, a Q&A and plenty of laughter.
Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m. 400 1st Street S., St. Petersburg. Info: TheMahaffey.com or 727-892-5798.
Comedy Clubs
Michael Blackson at Tampa Improv. 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. Showtimes are Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Patrick Melton at Tampa Improv. Melton is well known to listeners of his popular "Nobody Likes Onions" podcast, but he's a nationally-touring stand-up comedian as well. His adult premises come with a generous servings of wit and sarcasm. Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Lazlow at Tampa Improv. Lazlow has had some bizarre things happen to him, and he's not afraid to share his stories with his audience. He's also not afraid to engage with them, or go off-track entirely and start riffing on whatever comes to mind. Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m.
Tommy Johnagin at Side Splitters. Johnagin has built a reputation as a crowd favorite with his sharp wit and funny story-telling that's not as crude as you might find from a typical headliner. As a result, he's become popular on the late-night talk show circuit and comedy clubs around the country. Note: The Sunday show is also a benefit for the Wiregrass Ranch High School Boys and Girls Cross Country teams. 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 Highway, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Tim Kidd at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Kidd has plenty of energy, and he's happy to spend it on his audiences. His show is clever and fun, and his closers are especially memorable. 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.
Joe DeLion at Coconuts Comedy Clubs (at MJs). What is DeLion? A comedian? Mentalist? Magician? He's actually a bit of everything, pleasing crowds with a variety of different talents. So whichever DeLion you get this weekend should be entertaining. Showtimes are Wednesday-Saturday at 9:30 p.m. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: coconutscomedyclubs.com or 727-360-5653.
Pat Duax at 2 Palms Bar & Bistro. Duax is a story-teller and different characters in his set. He has plenty of experience, a likeable personality and a variety of material. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: tampabaycomedy.com or 727-741-8014.
This article appears in Aug 28 – Sep 3, 2014.