It's Thanksgiving week, and comedy clubs in Tampa Bay have a nice mix of traveling performers and local talent. There are clean shows, dirty shows and even a few puppets. There are also opportunities to go for free (if you donate a toy), so mix in a little laughter with your turkey, football and deep-discount, full-contact shopping. Here are this week's best bets:
Here are the biggest comedy shows happening Nov. 27-Dec. 1.
Yannis Pappas Pappas not only performs stand-up, but he brings along a number of "characters," to keep the energy flowing. Favorites include Mauricia, a Manhattan transsexual, and Mr. Panos, a stereotypical Greek male with a thick accent and plenty of opinions. But it's all Pappas underneath, and includes the witty creativity that has earned him appearances on VH-1, CBS and Comedy Central 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. at 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Ybor City. For more information, visit improvtampa.com or call 813-864-4000.
Tim Wilkins Wilkins is a comedy vet with more than 20 years in the business, a regular voice on WFLA, has worked with WMOR-Ch. 32 and has written a book based on two of his loves — fitness and comedy. On stage his material is clean but witty as he discusses absurdities of family life, even throwing in an impression or two for good measure. sidesplitterscomedy.com or call 813-960-1197.
Bill "Bull" Ohse Ohse admits he looks like the guy who might be there to repossess your car, but the father of five offers up clean comedy with his perspectives on life and family. Co-headlining is Juanita Lolita Williams, another local clean comedian. Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Snappers, 36657 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor. For more information, visit snappersgrill.com or call 727-938-2027.
Steve Arik Arik has worked with Bobcat Goldthwait and Dan Whitney ("Larry The Cable Guy") and has been seen on MTV and Comedy Central. He's also a previous winner of Creative Loafing's "Best Stand-up Comedian" award. Never mind the 80s metal hairstyle, this longtime comedy vet keeps the locals laughing with dirty perspectives on sex, drugs, drinking and other wholesome topics. Wednesday-Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Coconuts, 6200 Gulf Blvd. at the Beachcomber Resort in St. Pete Beach. For more information, visit coconutscomedyclubs.com or call 727-360-5653.
Mark James James is a voice-thrower and impressionist who takes the stage with a number of puppets to keep him company, but it's their audience interactions and perspectives are what keeps the crowds laughing. Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at Jack's Joint, 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. For more information, visit tampabaycomedy.com or call 727-741-8014.
One-Nighters and Independent Shows
Alan Prophet Prophet has been using the stage to make people laugh for decades, and isn't one for crazy props. He uses the regular tools of the trade — a mic and a stand — to deliver witty observations with a likable personality. Saturday at 9 p.m. at Finley's, 13477 Belcher Road S., Largo. For more information, visit finleysirishpub.com or call 727-535-7858.