Remember how we mentioned that last week was a good one for clean comedy in the area? Consider this week the bigger summer sequel. Not only are there clean acts on comedy club stages, but there's a full-blown national clean comedy competition taking place on St. Pete Beach. Those looking for the expected adult material will find it as well, but there are a lot of squeaky clean setups on tap for this weekend.Here's this week's lineup:
Comedy Clubs
Dov Davidoff at Tampa Improv. Davidoff's set comes off like funny stream-of-consciousness thoughts. In reality, it's mostly prepared material but delivered in an entertaining way. His comedy is clever, blunt and usually a pretty accurate analysis of the topic at hand. Showtimes are Thursday at 8 p.m., 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.
Steve Hytner at Side Splitters. Hytner played Kenny Bania on Seinfeld, but don't get the two confused. Bania was an annoying, unfunny stand-up comedian on the show; Hytner is a clever, funny comedian in real life. The fact that he made the character so memorable is a testament to his acting chops, and he'll display his own wit on stage this weekend. Showtimes are Thursday at 8 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.
Stephen Thomas at Snappers. Thomas refers to himself as a "middle-aged married guy," and that's the perspective you'll get on stage. His material is witty and relatable, and more than a few people will see themselves in the funny premises Thomas crafts from his everyday life. 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.
Clean Comedy Challenge at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Drawing comedians from the around the country, this annual showcase/competition looks to crown another winner, who will earn a week of paid work at the club. Industry professionals serve as judges, and the audience picks a winner each night. At the end of the week they hold the finals and name this year's champ. These are usually well-established comedians performing proven material as they compete for the clean comedy title, so you can expect to see a full lineup of experienced performers. Just don't expect any cursing or adult material. Showtimes are Wednesday-Saturday at 9:30 p.m. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: cleancomedychallenge.com or 727-360-5653.
Ted Holum at 2 Palms Bar & Bistro. Holum is a clean comedian with an animated style. His material isn't dirty, but it's delivered with the confident demeanor of an experienced comedy vet. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: tampabaycomedy.com or 727-741-8014.