You can still get your laughs while celebrating Independence day. It's just a little more challenging than most weeks.
Some clubs have limited schedules this weekend, and there aren't as many touring headliners on the road. But a few are in town, and it's also it's a chance for the locals to shine. To top things off, an abundance of independent shows opens up your options.
So before you make bad decisions with adult beverages and explosives, consider some comedy over the long weekend.
Here are your best bets:
Comedy Clubs
Ryan Hamilton at Tampa Improv. Think clean comedians can't be funny? Then you probably haven't seen Hamilton work a stage. He has great wit, a critical eye and creative observations — just like you'd find with any other successful touring comedian. It's just not paired with the adult language and premises that are part of most stand-up sets.
Note: Improv has just one show Saturday. Showtimes are Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Saturday at 10 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $15-$17. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Ricky Reyes at Side Splitters. Reyes says all kinds of inappropriate things, covering relationships, stereotypes and whatever else pops into his head. The thing is, he does it in such a likable and clever way that laughter is really the only appropriate response. Note: Side Splitters has a male revue on Friday, so no comedy that night. In fact, there are only three comedy shows this weekend, so check the schedule below before you head out. Showtimes are Thursday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$16.50. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Rick Stepinsky at Snappers. Local comedian Stepinsky shares his wit on July 4 weekend, sharing his stories and observations during a full weekend of shows. Some clubs are cutting back their schedule for the holiday, but Snappers is keeping its normal schedule, serving up laughs with five shows from Thursday-Saturday. 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.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
Terry Gillespie at Moscato's Bella Cucina. Gillespie is known as "Mr. Rubberface," and you'll know why about 15 seconds into his set. He contorts his face for crazy impressions, absurd punchlines and just all out physical silliness. But the goal for the longtime comedian is laughter, and he gets plenty of it during his animated set. Showtime is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 475 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-322-4313 or moscatosstpete.com.
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 David Weingarten. Showtime is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Free (donation). 223 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Info: cigarcitycomedy.com.
Myke Herlihy at R Beach. Herlihy has a magic background, but puts on a full stand-up show. Still, he has the unusual versatility to add in a few illusions in between jokes to keeps things interesting. Showtime is Friday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 4045 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. Info: 352-592-5556.
Threezus at New World Brewery. Never heard of Threezus? That's okay. You've heard of Tosh.0, right? These three comedians — T.K. Kelly, Ricky Carmona and Nick Malis — are writers and performers on the show. So you can expect the kind of humor you'd find on the popular program: Sarcastic, quick-witted, a little dark, mostly inappropriate and funny. Local comedian Steve Miller opens things up with his self-deprecating, clever material. Showtime is Monday at 8 p.m. $10. 1313 E. 8th Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: 813-248-4969 or newworldbrewery.net.
This is a Comedy Show at American Stage. Back for their sixth straight year in residence at American Stage, Hawk and Wayne have been tinkering with long-form improv that features a story arc instead of the more familiar sketchy fare. They have toured comedy festivals like Philadelphia’s DuoFest, Sarasota Improv Festival, Hartford Improv Festival, Detroit Improv Festival and Out of Bounds Comedy Festival in Austin. New this season, improv teams made up of students in American Stage Education’s Improvisation Training Program will show off their newly polished skills. First Sunday of every month at 6 p.m. through August (only two more!). Tickets are $10; cash bar on site. $10. First Sunday of every month. Through Aug. 1. American Stage Theatre Company, 163 Third St. N., St Petersburg. 727-823-PLAY (7529). americanstage.org.
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 9:05 p.m. $20. 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. Info: 727-596-6725 or gdavidhoward.com.
This article appears in Jun 25 – Jul 1, 2015.