Love is in the air with Valentine's Day weekend. Whether you're trying to find something fun to do with your special someone, or trying to ignore the holiday altogether, some laughter might be in order. With many shows scheduled (some of them free), you have plenty of options.
Here are your best bets:
Theaters
Ralphie May at The Capitol Theatre. May's brash, honest style hasn't changed over the years, but his material changes all the time. He's a prolific writer, so no matter when you saw him last, he's got plenty of new thoughts and premises to keep you laughing. Showtime is Saturday at 10 p.m. $39.50-$47.50. 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Info: atthecap.com or 727-791-7400.
Comedy Clubs
War on I-4 at Tampa Improv. This comedy competition takes five local comedians and puts them up against five counterparts from Orlando. Two will move on to the finals, with the winner earning bragging rights and some money. But for the audience it's more about the journey, as each performer brings their A-game in an effort to earn more laughter and advance. Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $7. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Tammy Pescatelli at Tampa Improv. Pescatelli's no-nonsense delivery gives her license to share her opinions freely. And it's her wit that turns those opinions into relatable and funny premises. 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. $17-$23. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Carl LaBove at Side Splitters. LaBove was one of Sam Kinison's Outlaws of Comedy. But he's more storyteller than screamer, weaving his experiences and opinions into an entertaining set, delivered by a seasoned pro. 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. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$16.50. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Patrick Garrity at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. $12. Garrity has an animated style that showcases his material. His energy keeps the audience engaged, and his immersion into the premises ratchets up the laughter.
Showtimes are 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.
Danny Bevins/Mark James at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Comedy fans have a couple of options at Coconuts this weekend. Bevins is a more traditional stand-up comedian, with thoughtful premises and good timing; he performs Wed-Fri. James is a comedy ventriloquist, with his characters joining him on stage. He performs on Valentine's Day.
Showtimes are Wednesday through Saturday at 9:30 p.m. $18-$22. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: CoconutsComedyClubs.com or 727-360-5653.
Larry Lee Lewis at 2 Palms Bar & Bistro. Like Jerry Lee, Larry Lee often uses music to entertain his crowds. But he's also a comedian, so expect plenty of jokes in his set when he visits comedy clubs like 2 Palms. 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
Catherine Maloney at Niagara Tap (free show). Maloney likes talking with her audience, then hitting them with some abrasive, adult humor. But she keeps them laughing with warped views of motherhood, finances and other everyday topics. Showtime is Friday at 7 p.m. 11950 Seminole Blvd. in Largo. Info: TheNiagaraTap.com or 727-581-5331.
Comedy Night at Finley's Irish Pub (free show). Ward Smith and Catherine Maloney entertain lovebirds and lonely hearts on Valentine's Day at this free show. Expect plenty of adult premises and naughty jokes from these experienced comedians. Show time is Saturday at 9 p.m. 13477 Belcher Road S., Largo. Info: 727-535-7858.
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 8:30 p.m. $20. 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. Info: 727-596-6725 or GDavidHoward.com.
Emancipation of Johnny B. at Tampa Pitcher Show. Radio personality Johnny B. celebrates his divorce with a comedy show, featuring local talent in support. Fellow radio personalities A Cat Named Mo and Ryan Harkness will be in attendance, as well as Catherine Maloney, Joe Riga, John Jacobs and Kyle Ruse. Showtime is Sunday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 14416 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: 813-963-0578 or TampaPitcherShow.net.
This article appears in Feb 12-18, 2015.