This is a weekend where locals dominate comedy stages. Easter means fewer comedians on the road, and no shows on Sunday. There's a full schedule on Good Friday, though, and bay area comedians with plenty of talent and experience. So you have plenty of opportunities to laugh.
Here's this week's schedule:
Theaters and Special Events
CL Pick: George Lopez at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Lopez has had a network television show, a cable talk show and plenty of stand-up specials. And he's the face of Carnival Cruise Lines' on-board comedy clubs. But Lopez had been doing stand-up before all of that, and has had a ground-breaking career for Hispanic comedians. His material covers race, culture and family with material that isn't TV clean, but is more relatable than shocking. Showtime is Saturday at 8 p.m. $54.60-$65. 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Info: RuthEckerdHall.com or 727-791-7400.
Comedy Clubs
CL Pick: Mitch Fatel at Tampa Improv. Fatel has a quirky delivery and a sense of innocence to his stage presence. But don't be fooled. His material is sharp and his demeanor only makes the adult material seem more naughty.
Showtimes are Wednesday at 8 p.m., Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. $17-$20. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
CL Pick: Tim Wilkins at Side Splitters. Wilkins' set is a clever alternative to the relatively-dirty material you'll find on most stages. But he's still funny, with the timing and stage presence that accompanies years in the business. So if you prefer cleaner humor, this is the show for you this weekend. Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. $10-$16.50. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Bull Ohse at Snappers Grill. Local comedian Ohse looks tough, but is a comedic teddy bear (and family man) at heart. He has plenty of witty material to share and usually delivers it with a smile. 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.
Artie Fletcher at Joke Factory (at Dockside Sports). The longtime comedian is affiliated with the Joke Factory, and takes some time off the road to headline this week. Expect plenty of the adult, unapologetic humor he's been crafting for years. Showtime is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. $5-$7. 5015 US Highway 19, New Port Richey. Info: NPRJokeFactory.com or 727-807-6974.
Terry Gillespie at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Gillespie has a funny face. That's not an insult; it's a fact. He's known as "Mr. Rubber Face" and puts it to good use in his set, providing emphasis to his jokes. Showtimes are Wednesday through Saturday at 9:30 p.m. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: CoconutsComedyClubs.com or 727-360-5653.
Jay Hewlett at 2 Palms Bar & Bistro. Hewlett has loud shirts and clever wordplay, and both will be on display this weekend in Clearwater. One night only. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: TampaBayComedy.com or 727-741-8014.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
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 8:30 p.m. $20. 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. Info: 727-596-6725 or GDavidHoward.com.
This article appears in Mar 26 – Apr 1, 2015.