From holiday shows to television personalities to contest winners, there's a lot of variety on stages this weekend. Find a good show and catch some laughs before you head out for some last-minute shopping (you know you still have some left to do). Here's the lineup for this week:
Comedy Clubs
Sloan-A-Claus at Tampa Improv. Improv regular Sloan hosts this annual Christmas show that's full of inappropriate holiday cheer. Expect a nice variety of comedians performing very naughty humor. Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $10. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Box O' Chocolates at Tampa Improv. This Orlando-based trio features two brothers — Preacher and Justin Lawson — and headliner Ken Miller. Miller is the 2013 winner of Florida's Funniest Comedian contest and Preacher tied for second in the 2014 competition. These acclaimed local comedians are in town for one show this week. Showtime is Thursday at 8 p.m. $10. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Mark Curry at Tampa Improv. Curry's probably as well known for his lengthy television credits as he is for his stand-up comedy talents. But this weekend he's sharing his animated style that punches up everyday scenarios into comedy performances. If the premise doesn't automatically draw you in, the theatrical story-telling probably will. 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. $20. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Lachlan Patterson at Side Splitters. Patterson made it all the way to the end of last season's "Last Comic Standing" before giving way to eventual-winner Rod Man. You can see why he made it so far, with an under-stated presence that puts the clever jokes and sharp writing front and center. 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. $16-$18.12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
David Beck at Side Splitters. Beck has a fast-paced set, full of energy, personal experiences and quick punch lines. It's also relatively clean, so if you don't care for explicit material, this is the show for you. Showtime is Saturday at 6 p.m. $10.12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Peter Fogel at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Fogel is a corporate trainer, public speaker and a sales copywriter. What does that have to do with comedy? When you add clever jokes, you have a confident speaker who knows how to deliver the right kind of material to keep that particular audience laughing. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $10. 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: SnappersGrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Danny Bevins at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Bevins has a casual but animated style. If that sounds like a contradiction, it means he has the calm demeanor of a stage pro, but the ability to give emphasis to his stories with a well-timed voice or expression. Showtimes are Wednesday through Saturday at 9:30 p.m. $18-$25. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: CoconutsComedyClubs.com or 727-360-5653.
Steve Netta at 2 Palms Bar & Bistro. Netta's quick wit is on display throughout his set, which is accented by his Italian heritage and clever wordplay. 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
Bull at The Clarion Inn. Don't judge a book (or a comedian) by the cover. On the outside, Bull has a somewhat intimidating look. But the family man is full of jokes on the inside, with plenty of self-deprecating humor that wrings laughs out of everyday situations. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 9331 E. Adamo Drive, Tampa. Info: 813-621-5555.
G. David Howard at Sporty's On The Beach. Howard's been a comedy staple for decades, with more material than he could possibly perform in one evening. From timing to crowd work, his stage demeanor was crafted and perfected before many in his audience were alive. Showtime is Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $15. 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. Info: 727-596-6725.
