Comedy Clubs
Comedy Workshop Graduation Show. They took a comedy class, and now they're ready to show you what they've got. A batch of hopefuls take to the main stage and put their comedy "education" to good use. Rounding out the show is Tony Gaud, an experienced local with a skeptic's view of the world, who will end the evening on a high note (that might or might not be a pun). Tampa Improv (1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa) Wednesday at 8 p.m. 813-864-4000 or improvtampa.com. $5.
Aries Spears. The MADtv alum has a casual stage presence but a no-nonsense rapport with the audience. Expect unfiltered, adult conversations about family, race and relationships. Tampa Improv (1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa) 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. 813-864-4000 or improvtampa.com. $25-$27.
Tommy Blaze. Blaze has plenty of opinions about men, women, dating and relationships. And he wants you to hear them, even if they're not all politically-correct. If you're coming out for Valentine's Day, make sure your significant other can take a joke. If they can't, leave them at home and come anyway. They'll understand. Side Splitters (12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa) 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. 813-960-1197 or sidesplitterscomedy.com. $10-$18.50.
Michael Mack. Mack's show includes plenty of music, a few impressions, and some song parodies. But the key is, he's quite good at it, so if you like creative comedy that goes beyond a mic and a stage, this is a great set to catch. Snappers Grill & Comedy Club (36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor) Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 727-938-2027 or snappersgrill.com. $12.
Chris Gorges. Local comedian Gorges is usually in motion during his set, talking and moving a notch faster than most people you see on stage. His improvisational background allows him to adapt to most surroundings and interact with the audience in a creative way. Coconuts (5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach) Wednesday and Thursday at 9:30 p.m. 727-360-5653 or coconutscomedyclubs.com. $18-20.
Mark James. James doesn't work alone. He has a team of puppets who serve as his co-stars and comic foils on stage. Expect plenty of colorful dialogue and witty banter with his various characters (dummies) and the audience (not dummies). Coconuts (5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach) Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. 727-360-5653 or coconutscomedyclubs.com. $20-25.
Carlos Valencia at 2 Palms. Valencia has an understated presence, and it's an effective springboard for his sharp wit. Some jokes are thoughtful, others are irreverent and some are just bathroom humor. But it's all funny. 2 Palms (2950 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater) Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 727-400-6920 or 2palmstampabay.com. $10.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
Trish Keating. Keating has a sarcastic view of just about everything, from the merits of dating men with good credit to her role as a local teacher. Her laid back, cynical style is a good fit for her witty perspectives and punchlines. Niagara Tap (11950 Seminole Blvd., Largo) Friday at 7 p.m. 727-581-5331 or theniagaratap.com. Free.
Shit Sandwich Comedy Showcase. OK, the name doesn't imply a great show. But there's a lot of talent on tap at this bi-weekly event in Brandon. This time out, a number of smaller sets will be followed by Joe Riga. Fox and Hounds (229 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon) Thursday at 9 p.m. 813-438-8913 or foxandhoundsbritishpub.com. Free.
G. David Howard. 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. Sporty's On The Beach (17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach) Friday at 9:35 p.m. 727-596-6725 or gdavidhoward.com. $20.
Chris Gorges. Gorges goes from the beach earlier in the week to north Tampa on Friday night. But wherever he goes, his high-energy, improv-influenced material goes with him. Tampa Pitcher Show (14416 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa) Friday at 8 p.m. 813-963-0578 or tampapitchershow.net. $10.
