There's a lot of comedy in unusual places this week.
You'll find it in comedy clubs, of course. But you can also catch a few laughs where you grab a beer, or a sandwich or a comic book. So hit a club, or any local venue hosting stand-up comedians and enjoy a show this week.
Here's the lineup:
Comedy Clubs
Tom Segura at Tampa Improv. Segura's a casual storyteller and observer, but his critical eye extracts the most absurd premises out of them. After a while you wonder how it went so hilariously wrong, while kind of making perfect sense at the same time.
Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $20. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Carlos Mencia at Tampa Improv. Mencia's best known for his successful run on Comedy Central several years ago, and the stand-up comedian is now hitting the club circuit with a run of special engagement shows. If you liked "Mind of Mencia," you already have a pretty good idea of the kind of unapologetic humor you'll get on stage this weekend.
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. $25-$47. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Jeff Dye at Side Splitters. Dye is a clean comedian, but don't think that means he can't keep up with the other comedians you'll find at comedy clubs. The third-place finisher on a previous season of Last Comic Standing has plenty of clever punchlines. They're just not laced with adult language and premises. If you like your jokes without the blue content, this is one to consider this weekend.
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.
J. Jay Boyd at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Boyd has an animated personality, and keeps audiences entertained with plenty of energy. The stage presence complements the jokes, which are served up in quick succession by an experienced performer.
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. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: snappersgrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Carmen Ciricillo at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Ciricillo has an everyman's attitude and the presence of a stand-up comedian with decades of experience. His blue-collar material is sometime self-deprecating, usually pretty straight-forward and designed to keep audiences laughing.
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.
Vic Clevenger at 2 Palms. Clevenger's not a dirty comedian, instead relying on down-home charm and a casual, observational style. Armed with a cowboy hat, boots and plenty of punchlines, his likable stage presence keeps the crowd engaged.
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
Ben Kronberg at New World Brewery. At first glance, Kronberg sometimes looks like he's at an open mic night, clutching a phone or notebook and reading random thoughts. But it's all by design, forcing the audience to keep an open mind about his witty material. Often it takes unusual tangents before bringing you back to a creative punchline.
Showtime is Thursday at 9 p.m. $8. 1313 E. 8th Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: 813-248-4969 or newworldbrewery.net.
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 Chris Matson.
Showtime is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Free (donation). 223 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Info: cigarcitycomedy.com.
Kava Komedy at Bula Cafe. This regular show features local up-and-comers to warm up the crowd, and a more established closer to cap things off. This week it's BC Murphy.
Showtime is Thursday at 9 p.m. Free. 2500 5th Ave N., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-498-8913.
Comics at the Comic Shop at Heroes' Haven. Comics (the performers) and comics (the illustrated books) should go well together, and this semi-regular showcase features a number of talented locals. Performers include Mike Morris, Rio Paris and Kojo Prince, as well as host Allan Dempsey.
Showtime is Saturday at 8 p.m. $8-$10. 4339 Gunn Highway, Tampa. Info: 813-269-8859.
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 Oct 29 – Nov 4, 2015.