When a popular comedian comes to town, you can expect sold-out shows at the comedy club. If they're a bigger name, you might see them at a local theater. A huge star might sell out multiple shows there.
Then there's Jeff Dunham.
Dunham's performing at Amalie Arena Wednesday night, a venue normally reserved for the Tampa Bay Lightning and touring musicians. His comedy ventriloquism is so well-known, you were probably thinking of one of his characters (Walter, Peanut) as soon as you read his name. It's easily the biggest show of the week.
But it's not the only show. All the normal venues have their full allotment of stand-up, with a variety of styles to attract patrons. There's even a comedy icon in town. So if puppets aren't your thing, you still have plenty of opportunities to laugh.
Here's the lineup this week:
Theaters and Special Events
Jeff Dunham. Dunham is comedy ventriloquism personified. He's taken an old form of comedy and became a global phenomenon. His fans Wednesday will number in the thousands, enjoying the interaction with his beloved characters.
$46.25. Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.. 813-301-6500. amaliearena.com.
Robert Klein. Long before the stand-up comedy boom in the 80s, Klein performed on stages, cut records and appeared on television, and he never really stopped making audiences laugh with his seasoned wit and timing. His one show in Clearwater is a chance to witness a true icon at work.
$30-$50. The Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Friday, 8 p.m.. 727-791-7400. atthecap.com.
Comedy Clubs
Al Romas. Romas, a comedian, author and 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. With decades on stage under his belt, he creates spontaneous comedy in a way only a true stage veteran can.
$5. Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Wednesday, 8 p.m.. 813-864-4000. improvtampa.com.
Owen Benjamin. The Sullivan & Son alum has a way of boiling relationships and other premises down to the funniest common denominator. You'll recognize the topics (you've probably lived some of them) and appreciate the way he finds something smart to say about the silliest interactions.
$15-$17. Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Thursday, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Friday; Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 7 p.m. 813-864-4000. improvtampa.com.
Joe Machi. Machi, a former Last Comic Standing finalist, has a quirky delivery. He looks a bit uncomfortable, out of place, and overwhelmed, but don't be fooled: It's a perfect springboard for his smart material, making it clear the guy delivering it is quite comfortable on stage and pretty smart himself.
$20-$25. Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Thursday, 8:30 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.; Saturday, 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 7 p.m. 813-960-1197. sidesplitterscomedy.com.
Steve Netta. Netta is a local talent, and the fast-talking Italian-American has plenty of self-deprecating, clever comedy. Expect a little audience interaction, a lot of wit and a clever tag or two to each premise.
$12. Snappers Grill & Comedy Club, 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. 727-938-2027. snappersgrill.com.
John Ferrentino. Ferrentino is part comedian and part magician, and both parts include good showmanship as well. Audience interaction only adds to the laughs, making for a slightly-different evening than traditional stand-up comedy.
$12. Snappers Grill & Comedy Club, 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Friday-Saturday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 727-938-2027. snappersgrill.com.
Carl Rimi. Rimi is quick-witted, sarcastic, and smart. It's a bad combination for targets of his ire, but it's good for audiences who get to enjoy animated jokes, tags and topics.
$18-25. Coconuts, 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Wed.-Sat., 9:30 p.m. 727-360-5653. coconutscomedyclubs.com.
Bryan Hamilton. Hamilton seems like an imposing character when you first meet him, but, like a weird neighbor you get to know over time, he's a likeable personality with a knack for slightly bizarre, story-driven comedy.
$10. 2 Palms, 2950 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Saturday, 8:30 p.m. 727-400-6920. 2palmstampabay.com
One-nighters and Independent shows
Chris Gorges. Gorges is a fast-paced performer, using his natural energy and improvisational background to provide a rapid-fire stream of comedy. He'll also engage with the audience, making each set a little bit different.
$15. R Beach, 4045 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. Saturday, 8:30 p.m. 352-592-5556.
Gutterballs Comedy Cabaret. This regular show features a showcase of up-and-comers with a professional performing in the middle and another to close out the show. This time around, Ashley Strand and David Abolafia provide the experienced material on Friday night.
$7. The Alley at Southshore, 10221 Big Bend Rd., Riverview. Friday, 8 p.m. 813-672-8353. thealleyatsouthshore.com.
Shit Sandwich Comedy Showcase. OK, the name doesn't imply a great show. But there's a lot of talent on tap at this bi-weekly event in Brandon. This time out, a number of shorter sets will be followed by closer Jared Waters.
Free. Fox and Hounds, 229 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon. Thursday, 9 p.m. 813-438-8913. foxandhoundsbritishpub.com.
G. David Howard. 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.
$20. Sporty's On The Beach, 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. Fri.-Sat., 9:35 p.m. 727-596-6725. gdavidhoward.com.
This article appears in Feb 18-24, 2016.