Tampa Bay Comedy: November lineup features Leslie Jones and JB Ball

Tampa Bay comedy clubs and theaters are preparing for a dense November schedule that includes appearances by television veterans and local headliners. The lineup spans multiple venues across the region, with ticket prices varying from $20 to over $50.

Two prominent names anchor the month's calendar. Leslie Jones, an alumnus of "Saturday Night Live," is set to perform at the Tampa Theatre in Downtown Tampa on Friday, November 20, at 8 p.m. Tickets for that show start at $47.75. Tommy Davidson, who appeared on "In Living Color," will take the stage at Funny Bone in Ybor City on Friday, November 20, and Saturday, November 21. His tickets begin at $29.

Local talent also holds a prominent place in the programming. Former Best of the Bay winner JB Ball will serve as an opener for Brad Williams at Ruth Eckerd Hall on Thursday, November 12, at 7 p.m. Admission for that event starts at $44.25. Ben Bankas, who also won Best of the Bay, has sold out his run at Side Splitters in Tampa from Wednesday, November 18, through Sunday, November 22. Additional shows for him are scheduled for November 25.

The month opens with Daniel Sloss at the Tampa Theatre on Sunday, November 1, at 7 p.m., with tickets at $47.25 and up. The first weekend features a mix of performers, including Rickey Smiley at the Tampa Theatre and Kountry Wayne at Funny Bone. Both are scheduled for November 6 and 7. At Side Splitters in Wesley Chapel, Ryan Sickler and Jose Not Juan share the calendar during that same weekend, with prices starting at $23.80.

David Koechner, known for his work as a character actor, is booked for a three-night run at Side Splitters in Tampa from Friday, November 13, to Sunday, November 15. Tickets for his shows are $37.69. Lavell Crawford will perform at Funny Bone in Ybor City during the same three-day period, with tickets starting at $37. Magic-based comedy is also included, with Eric Eaton scheduled for November 13 and 14, and Niels Sayers appearing on November 28.

The final week of the month includes a high-profile arena show. Nick Cannon and the "Wild 'n Out" cast are scheduled for Monday, November 30, at 8 p.m. at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. Tickets for that event start at $52.75. Throughout the month, venues such as Snappers in Palm Harbor, Coconuts in St. Pete Beach, and Clearwater Comedy Club host nightly performances with ticket prices generally under $25.

Organizers advise patrons to check individual venue websites for the most current information. The calendar includes both one-off appearances and multi-night residencies, with most evening shows beginning between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.