We always have a lot of good shows each week. Some are bigger than others, but you don't want to say one is necessarily better than another. It just comes down to taste.
That's not the case this week. There's Oddball, and there's everything else.
The Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival is a who's who of stand-up comedy. There's no better comedy show on the horizon than that one. Of course, it's also the most expensive one. There are more wallet-friendly options that still include plenty of laughter. So while there's only one Oddball, you really do have other good options this week.
Here's the lineup:
Theaters and Special Events
Oddball Comedy and Curiosity Festival at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre. Last year's Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival made a stop in Tampa, and earned a thumbs-up from concert-goers who saw the likes of Louis C.K., Marc Maron and Jeff Ross, in addition to dozens of other nationally-known and local comedians. Another year, another tour: Funny Or Die put another one together and it's coming to Tampa on Saturday. There's some similarity with previous versions. Aziz Ansari (now headlining the event) and Jeff Ross return from last year. There's also a local stage again, which will include some of the best comedians in the area. Last year, Matt Fernandez (well known on Twitter: @FattMernandez) and Ken Miller, a previous winner of the Florida's Funniest Comedian Contest were among the performers. This year, Fernandez is back, and joining him will be J.B. Ball, another Florida's Funniest champ and the recent winner of Critics' Choice "Best Stand-Up" in our Best of the Bay awards.
And there's something new this year in Tampa: Women. Last year, Sarah Silverman and Amy Schumer were on tour, but not in Tampa. In 2015, Schumer is the special guest at Oddball, billed second only to Ansari. She'll be joined by Ashley Barnhill, Bridget Everett, Rachel Feinstein and Nikki Glaser, so ladies should be well-represented both in the audience and onstage. Other acts scheduled to appear include Jim Norton, Big Jay Oakerson, Nick Thune, and Anthony Jeselnik. Each one of those comedians has headlined shows in our area, so it's like getting a year's worth of stand-up royalty in one evening. Showtime is Saturday at 5:15 p.m. $42.25-$180.25. 4802 U.S. 301 North, Tampa. Info: (813) 740-2446 or livenation.com.
Comedy Clubs
Tommy Davidson at Tampa Improv. Strangely, Davidson was also at the Improv the last time Oddball rolled into town. He's still known for his funny impressions on "In Living Color," but he's actually been doing stand-up comedy for half his life. Expect some impressions you remember from television, and some stand-up comedy that wouldn't be allowed on it.
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. $20. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Jeremy Essig at Tampa Improv. Essig’s wit comes through in his writing, which is observational yet critical. Expect plenty of relatable topics twisted into comedic material. Showtime is Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. $5. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Chris Franjola at Side Splitters. Franjola’s probably best known for his time on “Chelsea Lately.” He didn’t just make semi-regular appearances; he was a writer and frequent contributor to the show. You’ll see elements of the jokes and characters he brought to the show on the comedy stage, where his writing now takes center stage in his clever stand-up material. 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. $10-$16.50. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Mike Paramore at Side Splitters. Paramore has a casual, comfortable style. It shows up in his jokes, but also with audience interactions, which often evolve into show-stealing moments. Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m. $10. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Brian Scolaro at Snappers. Scolaro’s observational humor often leads to self deprecation and plenty of outlandish tangents. His to-the-point style offers plenty of punchlines in his set. 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.
Roast of Chris Gorges at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Local talent Gorges gets the roast treatment from his friends and co-workers in comedy. Scheduled to appear are Johnny Oz, Bull Ohse, Bob Burr, Tiffany Barbee and Lou Angelwolf, among others. It should be a touching, mean tribute. Showtime is Thursday at 9:30 p.m. $10. 36657 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: snappersgrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Steve Arik at Coconuts Comedy Club. Arik doesn't use clean material, isn't clean-cut and isn't politically correct. But he definitely is funny, with a knack for finding the humor in sex, smoking and other naughty habits. 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.
Kojo Prince/Rick Stepinsky at 2 Palms. This double-headliner show features the high-energy comedy of Prince and the observations of Stepinsky. Both guys have plenty of years on stage and a good sense of comic timing.
Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: 2palmstampabay.com or 727-400-6920.
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 Jonas Presendieu.
Showtime is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Free (donation). 223 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Info: cigarcitycomedy.com.
