Tim Wilkins prides himself on a family-friendly comedy show.
Looking for a chuckle? The Bucs are not playing, but there will still be some laughs to be had when The Regent, 6437 Watson Road, Riverview, hosts a comedy night Friday, May 1, to benefit area veterans.
The show, featuring a local comedian who prides himself on a family-friendly, clean comedy show, has already sold out its initial seating plan and is now adding more seats to accommodate the demand.
Tim Wilkins will be headlining the event, which benefits the South Shore Music Festival. Wilkins, who has appeared on HBO, ESPN, The Daily Buzz, and on cable channels such as Country Music Television, the Learning Channel and Lifetime, will be joined by South Shore’s own Brian Kleinschmidt and Heather Campese.
A Tampa native, Wilkins has opened for Aretha Franklin, the Righteous Brothers, Styx and Wynonna Judd, among others.
“We already have 224 people committed to coming, and we are now adding seven more tables,” said Mike Self, who is helping organize the show. Thrilled with the demand, Self said the appeal of a different kind of fundraiser is a big draw.
“It’s something new right here in our hometown,” he said.The demand has been so great organizers are already planning a second comedy show Friday, Aug. 7, featuring Michael Petit, a celebrity impressionist.
“Our goal is to do two shows a year from here on out,” Self said. A fundraising golf tournament is also planned for September.
Doors open at 6 p.m. for the event, which will also feature a silent auction, raffles, gift baskets, food and a cash bar. Twelve local restaurants will also be giving out free samples of their food to attendees. Tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple and can be ordered online at www.freshtix.com/events/comedy-night-the-regent. Door tickets are $40 per person or $70 per couple. Tables for eight can be reserved for $275 by calling 813-690-2201. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the comedy starting at 8 p.m.
A portion of the proceeds from the show go to the South Shore Music Festival, which benefits area veterans’ organizations.
Last year’s inaugural music festival, held Nov. 8 at the Showmen’s Club, drew more than 700 people for a day of music and fun. The event raised $7,000 for Honor Flight of West Central Florida (the group flies local veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the monuments created in their honor); Haley House (which houses the families of veterans during their treatments at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa); the Ruskin Veterans Day Parade; and My Warrior’s Place (a Ruskin waterfront retreat for veterans and active military personnel.)
This year’s South Shore Music Festival is set for Nov. 14 at the Showmen’s Club, with organizers hoping to draw larger crowds and feature more acts and activities, including a craft beer tent and, organizers hope, a zip-line.
“The (performers) we are looking at we cannot announce yet, but we are really excited about bringing some mainstream, Top-10 country artists to our area,” Self said.
Proceeds will benefit the Haley House and Honor Flight of West Central Florida.
For more information on the event, to volunteer or find out how to become a sponsor, call Mike Self at 813-690-2201 or visit www.southshoremusicfestival.com. “We are still looking for people to join the team and sponsors,” Self said. “There is a place for everyone.”
