Biggest concerts, comedians coming to Tampa Bay, Sarasota in January, February, March

Jimmy Geurts, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·11 min read

We're only a few days into January, yet there are already big-name concert and comedy tours making their way to our area, starting this weekend and through February and March.

The two biggest shows each showcase a pair of musicians, as rappers Drake and J. Cole co-headline two nights at Tampa's Amalie Arena, while the Piano Man himself Billy Joel teams up with fellow '70s and '80s hitmaker Sting at Raymond James Stadium. Multiple annual music festivals also return over the next three months, including Florida Strawberry Festival, Gasparilla Music Festival and Reggae Rise Up, along with the debut of a new comedy festival.

To help keep track of it all, here are the top rock, rap, country, pop, R&B and stand-up comedy shows set to visit the greater Tampa Bay area from January to March, listed in chronological order. Event details are subject to change.

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Styx

Styx, seen here performing at the Ryman Auditorium on June 17, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee, will play Clearwater's The Sound on Friday.
Styx, seen here performing at the Ryman Auditorium on June 17, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee, will play Clearwater's The Sound on Friday.

Friday; The Sound, Clearwater; rutheckerdhall.com/the-sound

The band behind such late '70s and early '80s hits as "Babe," "Mr. Roboto," "Come Sail Away" and "Renegade" will be joined by special guests .38 Special, the Jacksonville-formed group with its own hits "Hold on Loosely" and "Caught Up in You."

Atmosphere

Atmosphere, whose MC Sean Daley (aka Slug) is seen here performing on stage at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on July 12, 2013 in Irvine, California, will play St. Pete Pier on Saturday.
Atmosphere, whose MC Sean Daley (aka Slug) is seen here performing on stage at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on July 12, 2013 in Irvine, California, will play St. Pete Pier on Saturday.

Saturday; St. Pete Pier, St. Petersburg; stpetepier.org

The Rise Up concert series, featuring the same organizers as the Reggae Rise Up festival (see below), returns with this show featuring rap duo Atmosphere, joined by other indie hip-hop favorites including Brother Ali and RJD2, whose song "A Beautiful Mine" was the theme for "Mad Men."

Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello, seen here performing at Arizona Financial Theatre on June 18, 2023 in Phoenix, will play Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall on Jan. 11.
Elvis Costello, seen here performing at Arizona Financial Theatre on June 18, 2023 in Phoenix, will play Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall on Jan. 11.

Jan. 11; Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater; rutheckerdhall.com

Debuting with what's regularly considered one of the best first albums of all time, 1977's "My Aim is True," Elvis Costello has remained active, releasing 2022's Grammy-nominated "The Boy Named If" and last year's box set "The Songs of Bacharach and Costello," including the Grammy-winning 1998 album "Painted from Memory."

Sunshine Comedy Fest

Troy Bond, pictured here, will headline the inaugural Sunshine Comedy Festival, taking place Jan. 11-14 at various venues in Tampa, St. Pete and Wesley Chapel.
Troy Bond, pictured here, will headline the inaugural Sunshine Comedy Festival, taking place Jan. 11-14 at various venues in Tampa, St. Pete and Wesley Chapel.

Jan. 11-14; various venues; sunshinecomedyfest.com

The inaugural comedy festival across Tampa, St. Pete and Wesley Chapel will be headlined by TikTok star Troy Bond, "Last Comic Standing" finalist Jeff Dye and "Kill Tony" standout David Lucas, plus podcast hosts Ian Fidance and Jordan Jensen of "Bein' Ian with Jordan" and Steebee Weebee and Jeremiah Watkins of "Scissor Bros."

Mark Normand

Mark Normand, pictured here, will perform at Tampa Theatre on Jan. 12.
Mark Normand, pictured here, will perform at Tampa Theatre on Jan. 12.

Jan. 12; Tampa Theatre, Tampa; tampatheatre.org

Along with last year's Netflix stand-up special "Soup to Nuts," and a half-hour set on the same streaming service's series "The Standups," Mark Normand released the special "Out to Lunch" on YouTube where it currently has around 12 million views and co-hosts the podcasts "We Might Be Drunk" and "Tuesdays with Stories."

Jay Leno

Jay Leno, pictured here performing February 7, 2014 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, will play Ruth Eckerd Hall on Jan. 13.
Jay Leno, pictured here performing February 7, 2014 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, will play Ruth Eckerd Hall on Jan. 13.

Jan. 13; Ruth Eckerd Hall

Best known for his decades-long tenure hosting "The Tonight Show," Jay Leno has remained a prolific stand-up performer along with starring in the series "Jay Leno's Garage," centered on his love of cars, and hosting a revival of the classic quiz show "You Bet Your Life."

Leanne Morgan

Leanne Morgan, pictured here at the Grand Ole Opry during the People's Choice Country Awards in Nashville, Tenn. on Sept. 28, 2023, will play Tampa Theatre on Jan. 20-21.
Leanne Morgan, pictured here at the Grand Ole Opry during the People's Choice Country Awards in Nashville, Tenn. on Sept. 28, 2023, will play Tampa Theatre on Jan. 20-21.

Jan. 20-21; Tampa Theatre

Though Leanne Morgan may be relatively new to the national stand-up comedy scene (her current tour is called Just Getting Started), she's already highly successful, releasing the Netflix special "I'm Every Woman" last year and selling out venues, including all four of her shows at Tampa Theatre.

Playboi Carti

Playboi Carti, pictured here at the STAPLES Center Concert Sponsored by SPRITE during the 2018 BET Experience on June 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California, will play Tampa's Amalie Arena on Jan. 24.
Playboi Carti, pictured here at the STAPLES Center Concert Sponsored by SPRITE during the 2018 BET Experience on June 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California, will play Tampa's Amalie Arena on Jan. 24.

Jan. 24; Amalie Arena, Tampa; amaliearena.com

The rapper whose 2020 full-length "Whole Lotta Red" topped the Billboard 200 and is set to soon release a new album — previewing it with the singles "Different Day," "2024" and "HoodByAir" — tours with Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely and Homixide Gang, all artists on Playboi Carti's label Opium.

Lucinda Williams

Lucinda Williams, seen here performing at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee on Oct. 12, 2023, will perform Feb. 1 at Clearwater's Capitol Theatre.
Lucinda Williams, seen here performing at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee on Oct. 12, 2023, will perform Feb. 1 at Clearwater's Capitol Theatre.

Feb. 1; Capitol Theatre, Clearwater; rutheckerdhall.com

Named one of the 100 greatest songwriters of all time by Rolling Stone, with her 1998 full-length "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" also named one of the 100 greatest albums by the same publication, Lucinda Williams last year released the memoir "Don't Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You" and album "Stories from a Rock n Roll Heart."

Drake and J. Cole

Feb. 2 and 4; Amalie Arena

Two of the most popular rappers performing today, Drake and J. Cole play two Tampa shows on their co-headlining tour following the release of Drake's latest No. 1 album "For All the Dogs" last year, which features J. Cole on the track "First Person Shooter."

Katt Williams

Feb. 3; Yuengling Center, Tampa; yuenglingcenter.com

The stand-up comedian most recently released the 2022 Netflix special "World War III," the follow-up to his 2018 special "Great America" on the same streaming service that was filmed at Jacksonville's Florida Theatre and discusses the city at length.

Tanya Tucker

Tanya Tucker, pictured here performing on the T-Mobile stage during Austin City Limits weekend two day five at Zilker Park on Oct. 14, 2023, will play Ruth Eckerd Hall on Feb. 3.
Tanya Tucker, pictured here performing on the T-Mobile stage during Austin City Limits weekend two day five at Zilker Park on Oct. 14, 2023, will play Ruth Eckerd Hall on Feb. 3.

Feb. 3; Ruth Eckerd Hall

Scoring her first hit at 13 years old with her 1972 rendition of "Delta Dawn," country singer Tanya Tucker has had a career resurgence in her 60s, winning her first two Grammys for the Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings-produced 2019 album "While I'm Livin'" and releasing last year's follow-up "Sweet Western Sound."

Mickey Guyton

Mickey Guyton, pictured here performing the national anthem before game four of the 2023 World Series between the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, will play Capitol Theatre on Feb. 3.
Mickey Guyton, pictured here performing the national anthem before game four of the 2023 World Series between the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, will play Capitol Theatre on Feb. 3.

Feb. 3; Capitol Theatre

The singer was the first Black woman to earn a Best Country Solo Performance Grammy nomination for her track "Black Like Me," which she also performed at the Grammys, among other high-profile gigs including singing the national anthem at the 2022 Super Bowl and co-hosting the 2021 Academy of Country Music Awards.

Pantera

Pantera, whose members Rex Brown and Phil Anselmo are pictured here performing at Louder Than Life Festival in Louisville, Ky. on Sept. 23, 2023, will play Amalie Arena on Feb. 5.
Pantera, whose members Rex Brown and Phil Anselmo are pictured here performing at Louder Than Life Festival in Louisville, Ky. on Sept. 23, 2023, will play Amalie Arena on Feb. 5.

Feb. 5; Amalie Arena

Dormant since their 2003 breakup and the deaths of original members "Dimebag" Darrell and Vinnie Paul Abbott, metal band Pantera recently reunited with lead singer Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown returning, and Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante joining the lineup.

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

Feb. 8; Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center

The singer who's had numerous No. 1 hits both with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-inducted group the Four Seasons (whose story inspired the Tony-winning musical "Jersey Boys" and its film adaptation) and as a solo musician will visit Tampa on the Last Encores farewell tour.

Mike Birbiglia

Mike Birbiglia, pictured here, will perform at St. Petersburg's Mahaffey Theater on Feb. 9.
Mike Birbiglia, pictured here, will perform at St. Petersburg's Mahaffey Theater on Feb. 9.

Feb. 9; The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg; themahaffey.com

The stand-up comedian and actor whose latest special "The Old Man & The Pool" premiered on Netflix last year, and who you may have also recently seen in the music video for pop superstar Taylor Swift's song "Anti-Hero," will come to St. Pete with his latest show "Please Stop the Ride."

Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson, pictured here performing at Sarasota's Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Oct. 17, 2017, will play The Sound on Feb. 10.
Willie Nelson, pictured here performing at Sarasota's Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Oct. 17, 2017, will play The Sound on Feb. 10.

Feb. 10; The Sound

Turning 90 years old last year, outlaw country icon Willie Nelson remains busy as ever — that same year winning a Best Country Album Grammy for his latest album "A Beautiful Time," serving as the subject of the docuseries "Willie Nelson & Family" and being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight, pictured here performing at the Crown Theatre in Fayetteville, will play Mahaffey Theater on Feb. 14.
Gladys Knight, pictured here performing at the Crown Theatre in Fayetteville, will play Mahaffey Theater on Feb. 14.

Feb. 14; The Mahaffey Theater

A great Valentine's Day option is this show featuring the singer of one of the greatest love songs of all time, the Grammy Hall of Fame-inducted No. 1 hit "Midnight Train to Georgia." Knight's other honors include seven Grammys, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction and being named the 51st greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone.

Boyz II Men

Feb. 14; Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center

Another strong Valentine's Day option is R&B group Boyz II Men, who had numerous No. 1 hit ballads in the '90s with "End of the Road," "I'll Make Love to You," the duet "One Sweet Day" with Mariah Carey and "On Bended Knee" — the first two songs also winning them Grammys.

David Foster and Katharine McPhee

David Foster and Katharine McPhee, pictured here, will perform Feb. 14 at Sarasota's Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Feb. 17 at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
David Foster and Katharine McPhee, pictured here, will perform Feb. 14 at Sarasota's Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Feb. 17 at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Feb. 14; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota; vanwezel.org; Feb. 17, Ruth Eckerd Hall

One more Valentine's Day option: this concert featuring musical couple David Foster, the 16-time Grammy winner who had a hand in such hits as Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me" and Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" cover, and Katharine McPhee, an "American Idol" runner-up who also co-starred in the musical series "Smash."

Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart, pictured here performing at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Aug. 4, 2023, will play Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center on Feb. 16.
Rod Stewart, pictured here performing at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Aug. 4, 2023, will play Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center on Feb. 16.

Feb. 16; Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center

After headlining Amalie Arena multiple times in past years, the two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee — both as a member of Faces and for his solo career, which includes such hits as “Maggie May” and “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy" — will play the relatively intimate Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center.

Ronny Chieng

Ronny Chieng, pictured performing during the 17th Annual Stand Up For Heroes Benefit at David Geffen Hall in New York City on Nov. 6, 2023, will play Tampa Theatre on Feb. 16.
Ronny Chieng, pictured performing during the 17th Annual Stand Up For Heroes Benefit at David Geffen Hall in New York City on Nov. 6, 2023, will play Tampa Theatre on Feb. 16.

Feb. 16, Tampa Theatre

The stand-up comic and "Daily Show" correspondent has released two Netflix specials, 2019's "Asian Comedian Destroys America!" and 2022's "Speakeasy," and had roles in films including "M3GAN," "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and "Crazy Rich Asians."

Gasparilla Music Festival

Young the Giant, seen here performing at Lollapalooza on July 31, 2021, at Grant Park in Chicago, will play Tampa's Gasparilla Music Festival, which takes place Feb. 16-18.
Young the Giant, seen here performing at Lollapalooza on July 31, 2021, at Grant Park in Chicago, will play Tampa's Gasparilla Music Festival, which takes place Feb. 16-18.

Feb. 16-18; Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Tampa; gasparillamusic.com 

The 13th annual Tampa music festival, moving to a new location this year in Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, will feature a lineup of rock (Young the Giant, Lake Street Dive, Coin), electronic (Louis the Child, Big Gigantic) and hip-hop (Digable Planets.)

Billy Joel and Sting

Billy Joel, pictured here performing at Chase Field on Dec. 8, 2023, will play Tampa's Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 24.
Billy Joel, pictured here performing at Chase Field on Dec. 8, 2023, will play Tampa's Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 24.

Feb. 24; Raymond James Stadium, Tampa; raymondjamesstadium.com

The Piano Man known for his ongoing residency at Madison Square Garden will visit another famed sports venue in Tampa's Raymond James Stadium, joined by another famous musician: Sting, the former frontman of the Police turned highly successful solo artist.

Florida Strawberry Festival

Flo Rida, pictured here performing during iHeartRadio KISS108's Jingle Ball 2023 at TD Garden on Dec. 10, 2023 in Boston, will play Florida Strawberry Festival, taking place Feb. 29-March 10.
Flo Rida, pictured here performing during iHeartRadio KISS108's Jingle Ball 2023 at TD Garden on Dec. 10, 2023 in Boston, will play Florida Strawberry Festival, taking place Feb. 29-March 10.

Feb. 29-March 10; Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, Plant City; flstrawberryfestival.com

The annual festival returns with a typically eclectic lineup of concerts in genres including country (Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Oliver Anthony of controversy-raising "Rich Men North of Richmond" fame), pop (Black Eyed Peas, Flo Rida), classic rock (ZZ Top, The Beach Boys) and more.

Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Pitbull

Enrique Iglesias, pictured here performing at the Trilogy Tour at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, will play with Ricky Martin and Pitbull at Amalie Arena on March 10.
Enrique Iglesias, pictured here performing at the Trilogy Tour at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, will play with Ricky Martin and Pitbull at Amalie Arena on March 10.

March 10, Amalie Arena

Three of the biggest crossover successes in Latin music, Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin and Pitbull team up for the Trilogy Tour. The trio all have ties to Florida, having lived in Miami and Miami Beach, with Pitbull also previously serving as the state's tourism ambassador.

Burna Boy

Burna Boy, pictured here performing at the Coachella Stage during the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 14, 2023 in Indio, California, will play Amalie Arena on March 11.
Burna Boy, pictured here performing at the Coachella Stage during the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 14, 2023 in Indio, California, will play Amalie Arena on March 11.

March 11; Amalie Arena

One of the biggest names in Afrobeats, the Nigerian singer Burna Boy will visit Tampa following the release of his latest album "I Told Them..." last year, the same year he was named one of the 200 Best Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone.

Reggae Rise Up

Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley – seen here performing at the 2016 The Meadows Music and Arts Festivals at Citi Field on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, in Flushing, New York – will serve as a headliner at Reggae Rise Up.
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley – seen here performing at the 2016 The Meadows Music and Arts Festivals at Citi Field on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, in Flushing, New York – will serve as a headliner at Reggae Rise Up.

March 14-17; Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg; reggaeriseup.com/florida

The annual reggae music festival features two sons of the genre's biggest name, Bob Marley — Damien "Jr. Gong" and Stephen Marley — headlining this year along with Dirty Heads, Rebelution, Slightly Stoopid, Soja, Iration, Burning Spear and rapper Lupe Fiasco.

Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw, pictured here performing on ABC's "Good Morning America" at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park in New York City, will play Amalie Arena on March 15.
Tim McGraw, pictured here performing on ABC's "Good Morning America" at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park in New York City, will play Amalie Arena on March 15.

March 15; Amalie Arena

The country singer, "1883" star and former Jacksonville resident tours following the release of his latest album "Standing Room Only," with Carly Pearce, who won her first Grammy last year for Best Country Duo/Group Performance and is up for another this year, opening.

Tom Segura

Tom Segura, pictured here, will play Amalie Arena on March 16.
Tom Segura, pictured here, will play Amalie Arena on March 16.

March 16; Amalie Arena

The comedian who grew up partly in Vero Beach has released several stand-up specials, including last year's "Sledgehammer" on Netflix, and hosts the podcasts "Your Mom's House" with his wife Christina Pazsitzky and "2 Bears, 1 Cave" with fellow former Floridian Bert Kreischer.

Kristin Chenoweth

Tony and Emmy-winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth, pictured here, will perform at Van Wezel on March 22.
Tony and Emmy-winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth, pictured here, will perform at Van Wezel on March 22.

March 22; Van Wezel

The Tony and Emmy-winning singer and actress best known for originating the role of Glinda in "Wicked" (a character that'll be played by pop superstar Ariana Grande in the upcoming film adaptation) will headline this year's annual gala at Van Wezel, joining other past headliners including Harry Connick Jr., Barry Manilow and Seal.

Taylor Tomlinson

Taylor Tomlinson, pictured here, will perform March 22 at Mahaffey Theater and March 23 at Tampa Theatre.
Taylor Tomlinson, pictured here, will perform March 22 at Mahaffey Theater and March 23 at Tampa Theatre.

March 22, The Mahaffey Theater; March 23, Tampa Theatre

The stand-up comedian was recently chosen to host the upcoming CBS late-night show "After Midnight" — which'll air in the timeslot following "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," with Colbert executive producing — but don't expect her to give up stand-up, especially after signing a deal with Netflix for her next two specials.

Cole Swindell

Cole Swindell, pictured here performing during the 58th ACM Awards at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas, on May 11, 2023, will perform at this year's Valspar Championship on March 23.
Cole Swindell, pictured here performing during the 58th ACM Awards at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas, on May 11, 2023, will perform at this year's Valspar Championship on March 23.

March 23; Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Golf Resort, Palm Harbor; valsparchampionship.com

PGA Tour golf tournament Valspar Championship, which has featured country stars such as Darius Rucker and Braid Paisley as musical performers in past years, will welcome another big name in the genre this year: Cole Swindell, who has eight No. 1 country airplay hits to his name.

Bill Maher

March 24; Ruth Eckerd Hall

Though best known now for his HBO talk show "Real Time with Bill Maher" that debuted its 21st season last year, Bill Maher started out as and remains a stand-up comedian, releasing numerous specials including his most recent, 2022's "#Adulting."

Impractical Jokers

Impractical Jokers featuring Sal Vulcano, pictured here at the premiere of "Impractical Jokers: The Movie" on Feb. 18, 2020 in New York City, will play Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center on March 24.
Impractical Jokers featuring Sal Vulcano, pictured here at the premiere of "Impractical Jokers: The Movie" on Feb. 18, 2020 in New York City, will play Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center on March 24.

March 24; Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center

The comedians from the hidden camera TV series and 2020 movie of the same name — Sal Vulcano, James "Murr" Murray, and Brian "Q" Quinn — perform two shows. The group until recently also featured Joe Gatto, with the show's current tenth season featuring guests in his place.

Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at [email protected]. Support local journalism by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Biggest Tampa Bay concerts comedy shows January February March 2024

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