It's summertime and there's no fireworks left and no holidays on the schedule for several weeks. So what's there to do?
Laugh, of course.
Comedy clubs have national acts, local venues are showcasing area talent and there's inexpensive comedy if you know where to look. Which is right here.
Here are your best bets for stand-up comedy this week:
Comedy Clubs
Michael Blackson at Tampa Improv. The "African King of Comedy" is from Ghana, and mines plenty of material from his background. But in reality, he's no stranger to America. He just has strong comic timing and will to use his stage persona to maximum comedic effect at these special engagement shows. Showtimes are Sunday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $25. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Al Romas at Tampa Improv. Comedian (and author) Romas has sharp writing skills, but it's special when he goes off-topic and starts interacting with the audience. With decades on stage under his belt, he can turn any conversation into crowd-pleasing material. Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $5. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Roy Wood, Jr. at Side Splitters. If you know Wood just for his comedy, it's probably because he was a finalist on the seventh season of Last Comic Standing. If it's television, it's probably from the acclaimed Sullivan & Son show. And if it's radio, it's likely his notorious pranks. Regardless, you have an idea of how his mind works, and the kind of clever humor fans will enjoy this weekend. Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. $10-$16.50. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Devin Siebold at Side Splitters. Siebold, this weekends' feature act, steps into the headliner spot for the Sunday show. The comedian will share his wit and observations culled from his experiences as a teacher and new father. Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$12. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Jay Hewlett at Snappers. Hewlett likes loud shirts and observational material. The jokes are relatable and come from the experiences of an established stage performer. 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.
Steve Arik at 2 Palms. There's a good chance Arik will offer his audience a choice between a clean show and a dirty show. Choose the latter. It might make you blush a little, but the adult content and his sharp timing will have you laughing throughout his set. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: Search 2 Palms Bar & Bistro on Facebook or 727-400-6920.
Steve Sabo at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Sabo's an animated storyteller, peppering in plenty of punch lines and tags as he takes the audience through his experiences. 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 Steve Lazlow. Showtime is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Free (donation). 223 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Info: cigarcitycomedy.com.
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 9:05 p.m. $20. 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. Info: 727-596-6725 or gdavidhoward.com.
Improv Indie Summer PDC Inc. TourCo presents a new team every week, including the launch of Post Dinner Conversation's long form/game-mishmosh sub group, The Shebaang! Doors open at 8:30 p.m., and seat options are first come, first served. The location is also available by the USF BullRunner (available to USF students only). General admission tickets give you access to VIP specials and the private room for the show. Sales end 30 minutes before the show starts. $10; $3 w/student ID. Sun., July 26, 9-10:30 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 2, 9-10:30 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 9, 9-10:30 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 23, 9-10:30 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 30, 9-10:30 p.m. T.G.I. Friday's, 2501 E Fowler Ave, Tampa. 813-9799112. postdinnerconvo.com.
This article appears in Jul 16-22, 2015.