DELRAY BEACH – Three of the top local comics perform on consecutive South Florida nights, highlighting a jam packed week of stand-up comedy.
Dean Napolitano launches an impressive Labor Day weekend by returning comedy to Martin Downs Country Club. The following night Jimmy Shubert slides speakeasy style into Jupiter’s Brick and Barrel. Flip Schultz handles Sunday duties by headlining at Monroe’s Red Light in West Palm Beach.
All three shows are Pick of the Week quality. There are no wrong choice here. Applause Break suggests hitting all three shows, if possible. What a great weekend of comedy that would be.
If forced to pick only one, it’s probably the Napolitano show on Friday night. Yes, it’s a bit of a stretch to call Napolitano a South Florida comic. Technically, he lives in the Orlando area, but he performs so frequently in South Florida that it’s hard not to consider him part of this community, too.
Napolitano has numerous television credits on his resume, and is currently in the process of producing his one man show, “The Bart Drive Boys,” for video release.
Casey Peruski, whose Dry Bar special is expected to drop later in the month, features for Napolitano, as does Spaz McGoorty.
Martin Downs is under new ownership, and boasts five new chefs – so the food should be top notch. A few months back Napolitano performed in a similar setting at the Farmer’s Table in North Palm Beach and absolutely killed. There’s no reason to believe he won’t slay again. Tickets are $15.
Sounds like a great way to kick off the holiday weekend.
There’s more information about the Shubert and Schultz shows below. Seriously, see them all.
Applause Planner – Plan On It
MONDAY, AUGUST 30
Comedy Night – Whistle Stop Pub, Boca Raton, 8 p.m.
Matt Bellak assembled yet another strong lineup to kickoff a great week of comedy. Local favorite Nadeem Awad is probably the most notable name scheduled to perform in this showcase. Brittany Brave, Sean Mullins, Nico Bolling Joe Cadette and Orlando Gonzalez are all expected to take the stage, with Bellak himself handling hosting duties. It’s a free show. Let the good times roll.
Dexter Angry – Tin Roof, Delray Beach, 8:30 p.m.
Billed as the “Happy Guy with the Angry Name,” Dexter Angry recently appeared on Funny Not Famous. He’ll be in the Tin Roof’s Green Room for a free show on Monday. Local favorite Jackie Sanchez is the feature comic, with Vincent Patierno also scheduled to perform. The show also marks the end of Zach McGovern’s weekend birthday tour. He always fairs well at the Tin Roof. Lalo Rodriguez hosts the show, which tends to start a little later than advertised. That means fans can hit the Whistle Stop show, then make the short drive to catch the second half of the Tin Roof show. That’s what Applause Break intends to do.
Clean Comedy – FIWE Caribbean, West Palm Beach, 9 p.m.
Anyone looking for a night of comedy devoid of all those pesky curse words and sexual situations should consider heading to West Palm Beach on Monday. Some local heavy hitters will be there. Steve Lamm is a proven entertainer. Mark Christopher won the hosting prize at the Palm Beach Improv’s New Faces contest last week. Dan Caso’s video clips have been featured on Applause Break, as have video’s from host John Loveless. Vital Dieujeuste, Mateo Rodriguez and Anya Bogozomova, too? That’s a weekend lineup on a Monday night.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Dope City Comedy Tour – Palm Beach Improv, West Palm Beach, 8 p.m.
Matt Bellak and Tim Hanlon are two of the best-known South Florida comics, Their Dope City Comedy Tour has played in comedy clubs across the nation. They’re back in town for two nights this week – the first one being this show at the PB Improv. The following night they head south to play the brand new the Dania Improv. That will be a great opportunity to see the wonderful new venue. Bellak and Hanlon have C.J. Landry once again featuring for them, so both shows should rock.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
New Faces of Comedy – Palm Beach Improv, West Palm Beach, 8 p.m.
Think you’re the best up-and-coming comic around? Here’s your chance to prove it. The winner of the New Faces of Comedy contest walks away with $200. There’s also a promise to host an upcoming Improv show. Last week more than one dozen comics vied for the title. It’s open to open micers, loosely defined as comics who don’t have regular paying gigs. Comics must bring at least 10 people with them to be eligible to perform.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Coastal Karma Comedy Show – Coastal Karma Brewing, Lake Park, 8 p.m.
Producer and host Lalo Rodriguez assembled a notable group of local comics for this mix free show. Phil Isme, Robb Kalert, Warren Scott, Stephanie Wood and Ryan Scott are all scheduled to perform in this showcase. Enjoy a brew and some laughs.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Comedy Showcase with Jimmy Shubert – Brick and Barrel, Jupiter, 10:30 p.m.
As hinted at above, there’s so much to like about this show. It starts with Shubert, who never fails to entertain. The remainder of the bill – Phil Isme, Kolin Bohannon and Stephanie Wood – have all headlined local shows and, in some cases, performed nationally. Jackie Sanchez is producing and hosting the late night show. And for those who aren’t familiar with Jupiter’s Abacoa area, it’s conducive to a great night out. There’s plenty of restaurants within a block or two for dinner. There’s also a bunch of bars for post-show gallivanting. Or spend the entire night at Brick and Barrel. Tickets are only $5. On most weeks, this is the top show.
Saturday Night Comedy – Zen Mystery Cafe, Dania Beach, 8 p.m.
Jen Hellman is scheduled to be back in town and she’s ready to entertain. Fasil Malik created the show and will also perform, along with Dan Long and Danny Benavente. Danny Fallon hosts the show.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Flip Schultz – Monroe’s Red Light, West Palm Beach, 8:30 p.m.
Flip Schultz is a killer in any setting. Put him in a room next to a strip club? Who knows what will happen. Tarus Josey is the feature comic, with Cortez Forbes and Brett Morris scheduled to perform, Bobby Mac hosts and produces the intimate show. With Monday being a Labor Day – and a day off for most – this might be the perfect time to catch a Monroe’s show.
