Chris Tucker is the biggest name on stage this weekend, but he's not the only one. We have plenty of touring headliners and local talents keeping stages full. There are a couple of free shows, too, so your budget won't hold you back. Just find a show and enjoy.
Here are your best bets for this week:
Theaters and Special Events
Chris Tucker at The Straz (Carol Morsani Hall). The "Rush Hour" star won't have buddy Jackie Chan to partner with him in Tampa, but he won't need him at The Straz on Friday night. Tucker's perfectly at home on a stand-up stage, delivering an animated set to his still-sizable fan base. He might be approaching 25 years in the business, but he still has his trademark cadence and distinctive delivery. And while he can still bring out his over-the-top style, Tucker has become an accomplished storyteller as well. Expect plenty of stories, voices and laughter from the accomplished movie star and comedian. Showtime is Friday at 8 p.m. $45.75-$65.75. 1010 N. MacInnes Place in Tampa. Info: strazcenter.org or 813-229-7827.
Comedy Clubs
Dean Napolitano at Tampa Improv. Napolitano's got a lot of family stories to share. Some involve being the younger sibling and lessons in frugality from his parents, and others involve being a referee with his own family today. But whichever generation he highlights, the material is strong, relatable and delivered with a likable stage presence.
Showtimes are Thursday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $8. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Sheryl Underwood at Tampa Improv. Brash, blue and unapologetic, Underwood has established herself as a popular stand-up performer for decades. If she has a filter, she doesn't use it much. But the material is sharp, clever and relatable. Note: This weekend's shows are special engagements. Showtimes are Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. $30. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Brian Bradley at Tampa Improv. Bradley has stand-up material, but this isn't a traditional stand-up show. He's more of an Improv guy, and since he's not in a group it's up to the audience to help him create. His quick wit and ability to think on his feet makes every show entertaining and different, using volunteers to be part of something spontaneously funny each time out. Showtime is Wed., June 17, at 8 p.m. $5. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Gary Valentine at Side Splitters. You'll recognize Valentine from Kevin James' long-running series, "King of Queens," but he takes the starring role on comedy stages. His set covers a wide range of topics with good energy, comic timing and material you won't find on television sitcoms. 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.
Chris Killian at Side Splitters. Killian doesn't mind getting a little silly on stage. Or a little musical. Or a little absurd with his material. But that unpredictability opens the audience up to almost anything, and he delivers with a variety of topics and plenty of laughs. Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$12. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Ron Feingold at Snappers. Feingold uses his vocal talents in funny — and often inappropriate — ways. But it's a good weapon in the stand-up's arsenal, and adds some originality to the traditional tell-jokes-into-a-mic formula. 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.
Dave Heenan at Coconuts. Heenan has the salty confidence of an experienced headliner. Expect a few rants, some self-deprecating humor and plenty of comedic 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.
Steve Lazlow at 2 Palms Bar & Bistro. Lazlow's wit takes him to some bizarre places, whether he's describing Pasco County residents or recalling an unusual intervention with his cat. It might be shocking at times, but it's funny. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: tampabaycomedy.com or 727-741-8014.
Vinny Paulino at Joke Factory. Paulino doesn't necessarily look like a stand-up comedian. He doesn't look all that comfortable on stage, either. But when he starts talking, it's clear why he's on stage. His stage demeanor makes him more realistic, his stories more believable, and his clever punchlines that much more impactful. Showtime is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. $5-$7. 5015 US Highway 19, New Port Richey. Info: nprjokefactory.com or 727-807-6974.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
Johnny B at Niagara Tap (free show). The Tap celebrates five years of comedy with the original lineup that started it all. Feature Joe Riga is now a regular performer in clubs throughout the state, and Johnny B. mans two radio programs on 102.5 The Bone in addition to his stand-up career. Expect plenty of adult humor at this free show. Showtime is Friday at 7 p.m. Free. 11950 Seminole Blvd. in Largo. Info: theniagaratap.com or 727-581-5331.
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.
Cigar City Comedy at Wicked 'Wiches (free show). This weekly free show 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. 223 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Info: cigarcitycomedy.com.
This article appears in Jun 4-10, 2015.