Duval-based comic calls on comedians and musicians alike to get all aboard his entertainment express at Jax Comedy Club If you are at all intimate with the stand-up scene in Jax, then you are most certainly familiar with Jacksonville’s own professional jokester, . He’s been performing here “all his life,” starting out as the “funny kid” and, now into adulthood, opening for many notable national acts such as , , and . If you cover the Jax yuk-yuk scene as I do, he is as much of a fixture in greenrooms as is neurosis. The always affable and down-to-earth comic …

A View from LaBove Back in the 80s, comedian founded the “Outlaws of Comedy” Tour with the beast of stand-up, the late –so you can probably imagine all of the wild tales of mayhem and debauchery that he could share with you over a few beers. “No, most of them are just nice Christian stories,” says Labove, in an obvious moment of facetiousness. Like many of the comedians I’ve talked to, LaBove romanticizes the days of old in the nostalgic spirit of an overplayed tune. Those early years were the most important time for him in terms of honing his …

Event: Tom Papa Venue: Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Date: March 26th at 8pm Contact: www.pvconcerthall.com Tickets: $29.50-39.50 In an entertainment profession where it is extremely hard to distinguish yourself, Tom Papa is a diamond in the rough: a stand-up comedian who seems psychologically well-adjusted. Sometimes to great effect, the comedy scene is flooded with angry neurotics, insecure self-loathers, and over-the-top substance abusers who, while often hilarious, aren’t exactly the poster boys for positive mental health awareness. While one’s stage act certainly doesn’t tell the entire story, the cleancut and fastidiously presented Papa doesn’t come across as any of those things. …

Some helpful hints from a previous One Spark creator So, you’re all ready for . You have your grand project ready, you’ve attended the creator acadamy, your juices are flowing, and you’re registered–at least, hopefully you’re registered, since the deadline was February 25th (which also happens to be my birthday). Now that you’re ready to send your dream rover down from the clouds for a little exploration on the surface of planet reality, perhaps I can give you a little heads up on what to expect once you’re there. Bear in mind, I’m not just writing this as a journalist …

“Skippy” from 80’s sitcom Family Ties brings his off-screen act to the Comedy Club of Jacksonville. If comedians loved one thing in the 80s, it was being on sitcoms. If 80s sitcoms loved thing, it was nerdy neighbors. This created the perfect opportunity for , a stand-up comedian who played “Skippy” on the popular 80’s sitcom . Price still tours as a comedian today and that happy coincidence from way back when we were all still proudly wearing mullets and slap-bracelets has given Price the name recognition he needs to compete in a supersaturated stand-up market. “Before I was even …

Florida Theatre patrons prepare for a Dish called Wanda Where: Florida Theatre When: February 26th, 8:00 pm Price: $39/$49/$69 Info: www.floridatheatre.com Comedian is respected for not being afraid to speak her mind and never pulling any punches. Her books, with titles like “Yeah, I said it,” and comedy specials, with names like I’ma Be Me, are pretty much sold as advertised–and that’s why we love her. On February 26th, Sykes will be bringing her never-boring takes on life and society to the stage of  for the first time as part of three dates in the Sunshine State that were late …

Comedian Casey Whitaker and friends give you a sentimental glimpse into the glory days of the heralded improv troupe Venue: The Times-Union Center – Terry Theater Date: January 31st at 8pm Tickets: $50 Contact: www.artistseriesjax.org *********** Positioned in a city famous for hundreds of different things and having seemingly a thousand different nicknames, it is no small feat that the improv group has become a Chicago institution and landmark standard bearer of comedy greatness for the past six decades. The company has launched the careers of Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, and countless other comedy giants who …

Venue: Comedy Club of Jacksonville Date: January 29-31(8:04pm each night; 10:10pm the 30th and 31st) Tickets: $15-20 Contact: www.jacksonvillecomedy.com ************ In the world of stand-up, honestly needs no introduction. She is one of those few talented comedians who has been doing it so well for so long that her name is now simply synonymous with the craft. Performing on stage since the 70s, artistic renditions and signed publicity photos of her are fixtures at just about any chuckle hut of note throughout the country. Most importantly for me, she once sat on Dr. Jonathan Katz’s couch back in the 90s …