Down the historic streets of Ybor City is a small venue that has hosted many great comedians on their way to commercial stardom, and it is a comfortable, two story setting for attendees to get a good view of the entertainer, no matter where they sit. The Tampa Improv has become a well-established spot for comedians coming to the Tampa Bay area to perform.

Felipe Esparza is one of those comedians. Many of you may recognize him from “Last Comic Standing,” as well as his very popular HBO special, “Translate This.” He also hosts a podcast called, “What’s Up Fool?” and was on the “Joe Rogan Experience” Podcast in August. This was his third appearance at the Tampa Improv. Like previous performances, it was well received.

Esparza has quite a following, some of who come to every show he does at the Tampa Improv. If you have seen any of Esparza’s specials, you will know he is funny. But to see him in person, is a completely different ex-perience. His interaction with the crowd is nothing short of hilarious, proven by the constant laughter from the audience.

Esparza, like many other comedians that come through the doors of the Improv, creates an intimate show for his guests. The doors to the venue open up an hour before showtime. This to allow a first come, first serve seating rule. Tables are set up to seat a group of four, with a small, electric candle to create a familiar vibe. The show has a host to start the laughter train, followed by a small set from another comedian. Finally, the headliner delivers a stand-up show.

The Tampa Improv is diligent in sending you upcoming shows and dis-count codes for tickets if you sign up for their email subscription. For example, some codes of-fer $1 tickets. It is locat-ed in Centro Ybor, very close to HCC’s Ybor City campus. It hosts many comedians, both up-and-coming and some at the heights of their career. They also host open mic nights on most Thursdays. This provides local comedians a chance to display their talent and a night out for fans to enjoy foolishness on a stage.

Coming up next is comedian, London Brown from HBO’s popular series, “Ballers.” He will be at the Tampa Improv November 2 to 4, with two different show times on Fridays and Saturdays. The following weekend, November 9 and 10, the Improv will host, Steve-O in a special engagement show. Steve-O is from MTV’s hit show and “Jackass” movies. He also wrote a New York Times Best Seller, “Professional Idiot.” Visit the Tampa Improv for more upcoming shows and to enter to win tickets for one of their shows.