Last week there was a holiday, which meant fewer comedy shows.
This week there's a holiday, which means special comedy shows. Go figure.
They're different holidays, of course. This time it's New Year's Eve, which is marked by parties, champagne and laughter. So what better way to ring in the new year than with some stand-up comedy? The clubs have you covered with special events, which are pricier but often include a special toast when midnight strikes.
Many venues have other shows the rest of the week as well. So make a resolution to enjoy yourself a bit more in 2016, and catch some comedy. Here's the lineup:
Comedy Clubs
Carmen Ciricillo at Tampa Improv. The "Construction Comic" applies his sarcastic outlook to work, family life and whatever else is on his mind. He also brings decades of stand-up experience and a collected presence to the stage.
Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $5. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Dan Cummins at Tampa Improv. Cummins has a true comedian's filter, taking premises you've never considered and making them somehow relatable and hilarious at the same time. His material is clever, thoughtful and funny.
New Year's Eve shows: 7:30 and 10 p.m., options include dinner, champagne toast and party favors, or just the show. $25-$45.
Showtimes are Thursday at 7:30 and 10 p.m., Friday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. $20 (except New Year's Eve). 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Forrest Shaw at Tampa Improv. Shaw's casual style makes you wonder if he's doing material, or just talking about what interests him. But that casual style is actually the vehicle for the sharp turns and tags he adds to his premises. Relaxed and unrattled, he definitely uses a bizarre critical eye to create his punchlines.
Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m. $10. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Carl Labove at Side Splitters. One of the "Outlaws of Comedy," Labove was closely-linked with Sam Kinison as both performers came up in the comedy world. Unlike Kinison, he's more storyteller than screamer, weaving his experiences and brash opinions into an entertaining set, delivered by a seasoned pro.
New Year's Eve shows: 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Early show is $12-$14. Late show options include an open bar, party favors and champagne toast, continental breakfast and a DJ with dancing after the show. $30-$75.
Showtimes are Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m, Saturday at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$16.50 (except New Year's Eve). 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Derek Richards at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Richards has traveled the world to perform for troops overseas and is often heard on the XM Satellite Radio Network. Expect plenty of criticisms about his friends and family that you might recognize from your own circle.
New Year's Eve shows: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Options include dinner, party favors and a champagne toast, or just the show. $20-$40.
Showtimes are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $12 (except New Year's Eve). 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: snappersgrill.com or 727-938-2027.
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.
Showtimes are Wednesday through Saturday at 9:30 p.m. $20-$25. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: coconutscomedyclubs.com or 727-360-5653.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
Comedy Night at Gutterballs Comedy Cabaret (The Alley at Southshore). This New Year's Eve show features Florida talent such as Amanda Jordan, Teah, and Jonas Presendieu providing adult content to ring in the new year. Ticket price includes $8 in food and drink credit, party favors and a champagne toast.
Showtime is Thursday at 10 p.m. $20. 10221 Big Bend Road, Riverview. Info: 813-672-8353.
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."
Howard will also perform on New Year's Eve at 10 p.m.
Showtime is Thursday at 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 9:35 p.m. $20. 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. Info: 727-596-6725 or gdavidhoward.com.
