It's a good week to be a comedy fan.
Some weekends we have a lot of theater shows, but no free gigs. Other times we have plenty of bar shows, but nothing involving famous names. And sometimes we have neither, leaving it up to mid-tier traveling headliners to keep us laughing.
But this week has a little something for everyone. If you want to see a better-known name in a theater setting, you're covered. If you want a night of solid stand-up with an experienced performer at a comedy club, it's there. And if you want to hang out and catch a free show, you have a few options.
Just pick your favorite and go have a few laughs. Here's the lineup:
Theaters and Special Events
Vic Dibitetto at The Palladium. Dibitetto is an Italian comedian from New York. But you'd know that about ten seconds into his act. He's loud, demonstrative, and instantly relatable to anyone who has a friend or family member with that background. Dibitetto is like an outspoken friend who tells you about what's on his mind, but he does it with the timing and skill of a seasoned stand-up comedian. If your neighbors complained like this, it would actually be fun living next to them. Showtime is Friday at 8 p.m. $25-$45. 253 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-822-3590 or mypalladium.org.
Martin Lawrence at The Straz (Morsani Hall). Martin (the comedian) still has fans from "Martin" (the show), and plenty of them will be at The Straz Saturday. So will many who appreciate his adult-oriented stand-up, which is still delivered with plenty of energy and has that same biting, comedic edge. Showtime is Saturday at 8 p.m. $39.50-$250. 1010 N. MacInnes Place in Tampa. Info: strazcenter.org or 813-229-7827.
Christopher Titus The Straz Center (Ferguson Hall). Titus has made the jump from comedy clubs to theaters, and you can bet he's bringing a bunch of new material with him. The prolific writer brings a brash, honest — and funny — look at life from the perspective of an experienced comedian. But instead of a weekend of opportunities to see him, it's one show only. Showtime is Saturday at 8 p.m. $28.50-$48.50. 1010 N. MacInnes Place in Tampa. Info: strazcenter.org or 813-229-7827.
Shut Up and Laugh at the Mahaffey. This show features a number of talented comedians with impressive television credits. Chris D’Elia from "Undateable," and Jerrod Carmichael and Tiffany Haddish from "The Carmichael Show" will be serving up jokes to enthusiastic fans. But the biggest name might be Pete Davidson, who's one of the more prominent "Saturday Night Live" cast members. Showtime is Saturday at 8 p.m. $29.50-$69.50. 253 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-822-3590 or mypalladium.org.
Comedy Clubs
Sloan & Friends at Tampa Improv. Sloan (an Improv regular) heads up this Thursday night showcase. His misdirection and wit are served up with a casual stage presence, and feature plenty of tags to bolster his strong punchlines.
Showtime is Thursday at 8 p.m. $7. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Arnez J at Tampa Improv. Arnez J brings a high-energy, active set to the comedy stage. His animated personality meshes well with his storytelling, keeping audiences entertained with an infectious stage presence that sometimes leaves them (and the comedian himself) out of breath. 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. $25. 1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
25 to Life at Tampa Improv. This showcase features local comedians with at least 25 years in the business. Ward Smith, Steve Arik and Mike Rivera are all touring headliners who will come together for this one-night-only show. Expect plenty of A-material from comedy vets who have mastered their timing and delivery over the decades.
Showtime is Wednesday, Sept. 16 Wednesday at 8 p.m. $5. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Mary Lynn Rajskub at Side Splitters. Rajskub is well-known for her portrayal of Chloe O'Brian on "24," but her stand-up delivery has traces of another of her memorable roles — Gail the Snail on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." Her cadence on stage is a bit quirky, but the material — often drawing from her thoughts, observations and real-life experiences — is very aware and clever. She's in town for special engagement shows all weekend.
Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $20-$22. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Lou Angelwolf at Side Splitters. Angelwolf has more than three decades of comedy under his belt. Fortunately, he's never lost his likable stage presence, his wit or his smile that accompanies every premise. Showtime is Saturday at 6 p.m. $10. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
David Beck at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Beck has a high-energy delivery, but isn't a blur on stage. It's the words themselves that are fast-paced, allowing him to deliver a high volume of clever material to the audience. 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.
Carmen Ciricillo at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Ciricillo has been seen at everything from comedy clubs to NASCAR events, and heard on Sirius/XM satellite radio. His no-nonsense attitude and blue-collar humor resonates with audiences, whether he's talking about work on a construction job or tackling the various tasks that come with being a parent. 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.
Traci Kanaan at 2 Palms. The "Princess of Parodies" twists popular songs to her own weird style. There's audience interaction, some naughty words and plenty of familiar tunes (performed in an unfamiliar way). Not to mention some strong stand-up as well. It all makes for a fun evening of uncommon comedy. 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
David Liebe Hart at New World Brewery. With Liebe Hart, you either get it or you don't. The puppets, the unique personality, the quirky songs: It's kind of hard to explain. Fans of "Tim and Eric Awesome Show" get it, and maybe you will as well. Or, you might wonder what the hell is going on. Or you might do both. Either way, if you find yourself watching and wanting more, you're not alone. This is probably the most unique comedy show of the weekend.
Showtime is Saturday at 9 p.m. $10-$12. 1313 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: 813-248-4969 or newworldbrewery.net.
Steve Arik at Niagara Tap (free show). Arik usually gives his audience a choice of the "clean show" or the "dirty show." Pick the latter. The longtime comedy vet isn't big on political correctness or chivalry, but his comedy is witty, personable and peppered with strong punchlines. Showtime is Friday at 7 p.m. Free. 11950 Seminole Blvd. in Largo. Info: theniagaratap.com or 727-581-5331.
Sloan at Finley's Irish Pub (free show). Sloan heads up this free show with a smart approach to race, relationships and other sensitive topics. His sharp material keeps audiences entertained throughout his witty and unapologetic set. Showtime is Saturday at 9 p.m. Free. 13477 Belcher Road S., Largo. Info: 727-535-7858.
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 Steve Netta. Showtime is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Free (donation). 223 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Info: cigarcitycomedy.com.
This article appears in Sep 3-9, 2015.