Comedy is off to a good start in 2016.
After a series of special New Year's Eve shows and a full weekend of stand-up, the encore is also pretty good. You'll find a mix of nationally-touring headliners, local showcases, adult humor and clean comedy. Still broke after the holidays? You'll find a couple of free shows this weekend. So find your favorite and have a few laughs this week.
Where will you find your best bets for laughter?
Theaters and Special Events
Ron White White was an integral part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, but he was no redneck. With a cigar in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other, he was the party guest you never wanted to leave. Whether he's sharing family tales or offering no-nonsense philosophy, his comedy is apparent in both the story and the storyteller. One night only.
Lakeland Center's Youkey Theatre (701 Lime St., Lakeland) Friday at 7:30 p.m. 863-834-8100 or thelakelandcenter.com. $41.75.
Comedy Clubs
Socially Inept It's comedy. It's a game show. It's both, really. In the same vein as the wildly-popular @midnight on Comedy Central, the brainchild of local comedian Steve Lazlow has comedians riffing on Instagram photos, and mining the outer reaches of social media to entertain a live audience.
Tampa Improv (1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa) Wednesday at 8 p.m. 813-864-4000 or improvtampa.com. $5.
Greg Warren Warren's storytelling comes from various aspects of his life, and the comedian isn't afraid to accentuate it with a voice or two. The end result almost makes Warren a comedic journalist of sorts, reporting and documenting life's absurdities with a touch of the characters who were involved.
Tampa Improv (1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa) 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. 813-864-4000 or improvtampa.com. $17-$20.
Swanee Presents: Kings of Tampa Swannee sets up a full lineup at a rare late Sunday show, with talent such as Rio Paris, Wolf Dolla and Cracker Black opening for headliner Tyrone Faison.
Tampa Improv (1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa) Sunday at 9:30 p.m. 813-864-4000 or improvtampa.com. $20-$25
Quinn Dahle Sometimes it's what a comedian doesn't do that appeals to audiences. In Dahle's case, he doesn't get too dirty with his material, but still keeps the crowds laughing with biting wordplay and unexpected twists. Also, he doesn't always stick to the script. His ability to engage the crowd and create funny moments out of spontaneous conversation means unique elements in each performance.
Side Splitters (12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa) 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. 813-960-1197 or sidesplitterscomedy.com. $10-$16.50.
Chris Gorges Gorges delivers a fast-paced set, with rapid-fire premises and plenty of improvisational-based comedy. Expect a quick delivery from a quick-witted, seasoned performer.
Snappers Grill & Comedy Club (36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor) Thursday at 7:30 p.m. 727-938-2027 or snappersgrill.com. $12.
Ross Bennett Over the decades, Bennett has paired a slightly-awkward look and self-aware material to craft tight premises that keep crowds laughing.
Snappers Grill & Comedy Club (36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor) Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 727-938-2027 or snappersgrill.com. $12.
Charlene Mae at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Mae isn't a household name (yet), but she has extensive television credits, opened for Jeff Dunham and Bill Engvall and is known for being clever without being dirty. If you like comedy that avoids a lot of the adult content found at most shows, this could be the place for you.
Coconuts (5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach) Wednesday – Saturday at 9:30 p.m. 727-360-5653 or coconutscomedyclubs.com.$18-25.
Danny Bevins at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Local funnyman Bevins handles the Saturday night show, using his extensive stage experience to craft clever, entertaining premises delivered with the timing of a seasoned pro.
Coconuts (5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach) Saturday at 9:30 p.m. 727-360-5653 or coconutscomedyclubs.com.
Lou Angelwolf The longtime local brings his positive energy and quarter century of stand-up experience into the new year. 2 Palms' first show in 2016 features Angelwolf's casual, clever material, while Johnny Oz provides support with his smoke-filled comedic inspirations.
2 Palms (2950 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater) Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 727-400-6920 or 2palmstampabay.com.$10.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
Bull Bull has an arsenal of clever material, but he avoids delving into the crude or profane. His ability to put a funny spin on life events without getting too blue helps his premises stand out.
Niagara Tap (11950 Seminole Blvd., Largo) Friday at 7 p.m. 727-581-5331 or theniagaratap.com. Free.
Kava Komedy This regular show features local up-and-comers to warm up the crowd, and a more established closer to cap things off. This week it's Nathan Hart.
Bula Kafe (2500 5th Ave N., St. Petersburg) Thursday at 9 p.m. Bula-Kafe.com or 727-498-8913. Free.
G. David Howard This longtime comedian draws 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.
Note: The Thursday show is at Leo's Italian Grill (33286 US 19 North in Palm Harbor)
Sporty's On The Beach (17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach) Thursday, 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 9:35 p.m. 727-596-6725 or gdavidhoward.com. $20. (Look for a $5 coupon under "Special Offers"
