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By JANE BOKUN
© St. Petersburg Times, published November 2, 2000
TAMPA -- Rick Tempesta describes his humor as straightforward observation that can run toward the X-rated.
"I don't do family picnics," Tempesta said.
The Cleveland native was in town recently to provide his observations along with Jason Gray and Tony Castellano, two local comedians, at the second week of the Left Bank's new Wednesday comedy night.
Tempesta, who has 15 years in the business and has appeared nationally on cable television channels such as Comedy Central, Showtime and HBO, did indeed have some keen observations for a small crowd who wandered in mostly unaware of the Howard Avenue jazz and dance club's new foray into the world of yucks.
The audience, most of whom came to dance, was tough.
So tough, in fact, that in the middle of Castellano's comedy piano set, one member called out, "Bring on the next comedian."
"I was going to bring out my props," said Castellano, who has an array of humor aides including masks and songs like She's Almost a Woman to Me.
"But when I heard that, I said forget it."
Tempesta concurred.
"I'm just glad I got my money," he said.
Small wrinkles are expected with the new comedy night, though, said Jim Snyder, manager of the Left Bank. With new entertainment nights at the swanky club such as a singles shakedown with not just jazz, but down-tempo acid jazz, dance music and the comedians, audiences might have to take the time to catch up.
Formerly all patrons could expect at the Left Bank was a night of dance music or a first-class gourmet French dinner at the adjoining Le Bordeaux restaurant.
"I like it," said patron William Walker.
Yes, the crowd was tough, but, he said, "I'll be back."
Left Bank, 1502 S Howard Ave., Tampa. (813) 254-4387 . Comedy night is Wednesday, 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Cover charge: $10. Upcoming shows include HBO's Grandma Lee with Dan Niblock on Thursday and Showtime's Mike McCarthy on Nov. 8.
Some other comedy clubs in the Tampa Bay area:
Bellylaffs Comedy Club, Legends Steakhouse, 309 Gulfview Blvd. S, Clearwater Beach. (727) 515-8059.
Coconuts Comedy Clubs: Howard Johnson's, 6100 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. (727) 360-5653; Cinema Cafe, Sunset Point Road and U.S. 19, Clearwater. (727) 797-5653; and Living Room, 13707 58th St. N, Clearwater. (727) 531-0332.
Giggles Comedy Clubs: Bourbon Street Night Club, 4331 U.S. 19 N, New Port Richey. (727) 843-0686; Poseidon, 2035 U.S. 19, Crystal River, (352) 563-1184; Rare Olive, 300 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, (727) 822-7273.
Side Splitters Comedy Club, Cascades Plaza, 12938 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. (813) 960-1197.
Wacky Weaver's Brandon Comedy Club, 779 W Lumsden Road, Brandon. (813) 661-5527.