A hypnotist, dirty Santa and a bus full of beer are all part of the comedy options this week. There are more traditional stand-up comedians, of course. But if you’re looking for a little variety, there should be enough options to keep you laughing this week.
Here are your best bets:
Comedy Clubs
Gary Conrad at Tampa Improv. Conrad himself is just part of the show. The real entertainment is the volunteers from the audience, who act out crazy scenarios based on his suggestions. This performance has a decidedly-holiday theme, so it’s an unique way to get into the Christmas spirit. Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $10. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Bret Ernst at Tampa Improv. Do you have obnoxious characters in your life and wish you could take them down a peg? Ernst does it for you, setting up premises with people and places in his life he finds annoying, then tearing them down to the delight of those who have similar friends or family members. Showtimes are Thursday at 8 p.m., 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. $15-$17. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Pretty Paul Parsons at Side Splitters. Pretty Paul isn't the kind of Santa Claus you see in the mall. Whether you're naughty or nice, you're getting the gift of dirty jokes told in a clever way. If you're easily-offended, this will be a lump of coal in your stocking. But if you like adult humor, this is a nice present on Friday night. Showtimes is Friday at 10:15 p.m. $14-$16.50, or free with a new, unwrapped toy. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Spanky Brown at Side Splitters. With an easygoing style, Brown covers topics like race and other non-PC categories. He’s not the most energetic performer, but the jokes come fast and hit hard. Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8 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.
Bob DiBuono at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. DiBuono is a clever storyteller, taking seemingly-simple situations and taking them to absurd and funny places. His animated style fits his New York stage persona. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $10. 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: SnappersGrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Tim Moffett at Coconuts Comedy Clubs (at MJs). Tim “The Dairy Farmer” brings his down-home humor to the beach all week. His southern accent and casual stage presence makes for a welcoming platform for his sometimes-silly but crowd-pleasing material. 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.
Steve Arik at 2 Palms Bar & Bistro. Arik's got the rock 'n roll look down, but it's funny jokes, not songs, he performs for animated crowds. The longtime comedy vet isn't big on political correctness or chivalry, but solid premises and adult punchlines are plentiful throughout his set. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: TampaBayComedy.com or 727-741-8014.
One-nighters and Independent shows
Brew Bus Comedy Show. Beer and comedy go together, and now they’re literally going together. This traveling comedy show makes two stops at local breweries (Cigar City Brewing in Tampa and Pair O’ Dice Brewing in Clearwater) while the beer and jokes keep flowing aboard the Brew Bus. Law Smith, JB Ball and Steve Miller from Cigar City Comedy are just some of the local names on the bill in this latest installment of a continuing series.
The bus boards at Thursday at 7 p.m. at 3 Daughters Brewery, 222 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg. $35. Info: 813-990-7310 or CigarCityComedy.com.
This article appears in Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2014.