If you want to take dad out to see some comedy on Father's Day weekend, you have plenty of choices. There are even some free shows on the schedule, so if you're on a tight budget you can still take dad out for a few laughs. Here are the comedians appearing this week.
Mo'Nique at Tampa Improv. Mo'Nique is an actress (and Academy Award-winner, no less), talk-show host and documentarian. But before most of that she was a stand-up comedian, displaying no-nonsense confidence and a brash stage demeanor. She's in town for two nights of special engagement shows.
Showtimes are Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Gary Conrad at Tampa Improv. Comedy hypnosis can be unpredictable, embarrassing, outrageous, suggestive and funny. And with a veteran like Conrad leading the volunteers, you can expect all of the above this week. Thursday's show is R-rated.
Showtimes are Wednesday at 8 p.m. and Thursday at 8 p.m.
Comedy Fathers at Tampa Improv. This Father's Day show features Bull, Chris Gorges and Lazlow as they weave their parenting experiences into their sets. Expect a wide range of styles and some adult-oriented content.
Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m.
Jen Kober at Side Splitters. Kober isn't glamorous. She doesn't look like she just stepped off a red carpet. But she's relatable, likable and connects with her audiences immediately with a direct approach and funny stories based on her everyday life.
Showtimes are 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. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Tim Pulnik at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Pulnik is a high-energy comedian with quick wit and an unashamed approach to comedy. If the topic is likely to make you laugh, odds are Pulnik's willing to give it a try.
Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: snappersgrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Rene Bray at Coconuts Comedy Club (St. Pete Beach). Bray is probably more of a humorist than a comedian. What's the difference? A humorist doesn't necessarily use a setup/punchline format, but instead presents thoughtful material in a funny way. Her clever stories and insights usually go well beyond the traditional "comedy topics" you'll find on stage most of the time.
Showtimes are Wednesday-Saturday at 9:30 p.m. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: coconutscomedyclubs.com or 727-360-5653.
Tim the Dairy Farmer at Two Palms. The Dairy Farmer dishes out Southern-style comedy with a casual delivery and a likable stage presence. One night only.
Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: tampabaycomedy.com or 727-741-8014.
One-nighters and independent shows
Lazlow at Niagara Tap (free show). The longtime comedian returns to Tampa with his usual array of inappropriate stories and adult content. Let's just say this: The guy shouldn't own cats. Ever.
Showtime is Friday at 7 p.m. Niagara Tap is located at 11950 Seminole Blvd. in Largo. For more information, visit theniagaratap.com or call (727) 581-5331.
Lazlow at Oldsmar Tap House (free show). Lazlow (see above) provides his offbeat perspectives and sarcastic outlook before Oldsmar Tap House's regular trivia night. And it's adult trivia, so Lazlow's material is right at home with the evening's theme.
Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 300 State St. E., Oldsmar. Info: (813) 475-5996.