The Laugh Tract — Who’s Bringing the Funny

We have some funny people in town this weekend.

Granted, we have that every weekend. But this one will be especially fun, since we have a couple of breakout stand-up comedians in town. In addition to the big shows, we have the regular cast of touring comedians, local talent and free gigs that make up the vibrant comedy scene in Tampa Bay.

If you want to laugh, you have no excuses. Here are your best bets:

Theaters and Special Events

Jay Pharoah at USF Sun Dome. Pharoah's in town for the University of South Florida's Week of Welcome for their new students, and that means he's bringing Eddie Murphy, Jay-Z, Kanye West and Barack Obama with him — or their voices, anyway. The "Saturday Night Live" star is a master impressionist, merging comedy and pop culture in a way most people can't. Sadly, unless you have a USF student ID, you can't see him. But if you do, it's a free show. Nicole Byer, from MTV's Girl Code, is his opener.  Showtime is Friday at 9:30 p.m. Free with USF student ID. 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Info: 813-974-3111 or sundomearena.com.

Patton Oswalt at The Straz (Carol Morsani Hall). Should we mention's Oswalt's popular turn on King of Queens? Maybe, and some people will probably want to attend his show based on that credit alone. But it doesn't begin to describe his talent accurately, both as a stand-up comedian and all-around nerdish oracle of pop culture. Even when simply discussing family situations, he has the ability to turn snarky story-telling into stellar comedic material. That's why we think you should see him. But the popular sitcom credit is good, too. Showtime is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. $30-$50. 1010 N. MacInnes Place in Tampa. Info: strazcenter.org or 813-229-7827.

Comedy Clubs

Michael Mack at Tampa Improv. Mack's show includes plenty of music, a few impressions, and some song parodies. If you like creative comedy that goes beyond a mic and a stage, this is a good set to catch. Showtime is Thursday at 8 p.m. $10. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.

Gary Owen at Tampa Improv. Owen was once named "Black America's Favorite White Comic" by Ebony magazine, but there's more than just racial humor in his act. Expect plenty of pop culture references in a high-energy set with adult themes and language that appeal to audiences of any color at these special engagement shows. Showtimes are 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. $22-$25. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.

Disgruntled Clown at Tampa Improv. A clown in black and white makeup in your face for 45 minutes? It sounds like the stuff of nightmares, but laughter is the goal with this unique show. And, for the record, he truly is a disgruntled clown. So don't expect family-friendly comedy, sunshine premises or rainbow punchlines. Showtime is Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. $5. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.

James Davis at Side Splitters. Davis takes a thoughtful approach to his comedy, tackling race, finances and other everyday subjects with layered premises. His casual demeanor puts the emphasis on the material, which has the strength and relatability to keep audiences entertained. 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 Highway, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.

Mike Rivera at Snappers. Rivera, named America's Most Hilarious Teacher by ABC's "The View," puts the audeince through its paces in a high-energy set. Expect a little back-and-forth dialogue with his "class" and an adult lesson plan for all five shows this week.  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.

Johnny B at 2 Palms Johnny B packs a strong punch during a hefty set that often includes self-deprecating rants and family experiences. The local radio personality (on 102.5 FM The Bone) is first and foremost a comedian, and will put that talent on display in Clearwater this week. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: 2palmstampabay.com or 727-400-6920.

Darryl Lenox at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJs). Lenox doesn't let his visual impairment stand in the way of his stand-up. It's actually part of his material, along with his positive outlook. So if you had any misguided notions of pity for the clever comedian, leave them at home. He puts that to rest early on, replacing it with solid jokes, a likable stage presence and creative observations. 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.

One-nighters and Independent Shows

Ladies Night at Oldsmar Tap House (free show). Robin Savage and Aniria will entertain the crowd with a fast-paced comedy hour, with plenty of clever storytelling and adult themes. Showtime is Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. Free. 300 State St. E., Oldsmar. Info: 813-475-5996.

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 Joe Riga. Showtime is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Free (donation). 223 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Info: cigarcitycomedy.com.

This article appears in Aug 20-26, 2015.