West Tampa comedy open mic also benefits houseless nonprofit

Comedy open mics can be like a box of chocolates, where someone took the good ones and you’re left with the crappy coconut or strawberry-filled ones (no offense if you actually like those). Talented comedians get mixed in with people who have been told they were funny at some point in their lives, and the results can be uneven at best.

But there’s one open mic where something good will definitely happen every week, because it’s also a benefit for a worthy charity.

Every Wednesday, the mic at Bay Cannon Beer Company—located at 2106 W. Main St. in West Tampa—collects cans of food for Homeless Helping Homeless, a nonprofit that provides resources for homeless people in the Tampa area.  They also manage emergency, transitional, and permanent housing facilities for those in need. The mic is run by local comedian Ace Williams, who estimates his comedy night has donated at least $3,000 in food and other goods so far. So no matter what happens each week, somebody will benefit from it.

They also made sure that the open mic will finish strong every week. A different professional closer will finish each show with a set that’s been tried and tested at comedy clubs. So you’re guaranteed to see a legitimate comedian and you’re guaranteed to help people who need it, which is more than most open mics can say.

The show starts at 7p.m. every Wednesday and is free (but don’t be a Grinch—bring a can, please).

This article appears in Apr 28 – May 4, 2022.