'Shut Up and Laugh' returns to St. Petersburg

Mike Epps

   “Shut Up and Laugh,” the popular summer comedy tour, is coming to the Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg for the third straight year.
    The lineup this time includes Mike Epps, Jo Koy and Michael Che. The show’s set for 8 p.m. Aug. 22. 
   Mike Epps, who’s perhaps even better known as a film actor than as a stand-up comic, has appeared in “Sparkle,” “All About the Benjamins” and “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins.” He also starred in a stand-up special “Mike Epps: Under-rated and Never Faded” on Comedy Central and Showtime. His comedy rap album, “Funny Bidness: Da Album,” features Snoop Dogg, Kid Rock and Slim Thug.
   In 2007, Variety named Koy one of the “10 Comics to Watch.” Che was named one of Rolling Stone’s “50 Funniest People” and Buzzfeed's "50 Hottest Men in Comedy."
   Tickets go on sale at noon May 23. They’ll set you back $49.50, $59.50, $69.50 or $89.50. Call 727- 893-7832 or go to TheMahaffey.com.