'Nut up or shut up': Tampa comedian Law Smith is finally filming a special

People do different things for their birthday: Cake, a nice dinner, some drinks, maybe a party.

Law Smith is filming a comedy special. Finally.

"I squandered previous album deals, made excuses like my divorce drama taking up all my RAM space for years," Smith told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. "Been 14 years (in comedy) without any asset to show for it. I turn 40 on June 25, and it gives me something on the calendar to either nut up or shut up."

Smith won't be shutting up at The Gimmick on June Friday, 28 and Sunday, June 30, when he'll be taping his first special over two nights. Comedians normally tape a couple of performances for a special, then use pieces of each to form the best version of their set.

It might end up being called "Sunny State for Shady People." Or maybe not. Smith hasn't finalized the title yet. But the main topic is all set: Florida, and Tampa specifically.
"My argument is that Florida is the most American state," Smith said. "It's the fuck-ups that import here to start a second life that make the 'Florida Man' news."

Smith is definitely not one of the aforementioned fuck-ups. Not only was he born in the Sunshine State, he has a successful podcast, "Sweat Equity," that contains comedic elements but is also focused on small business and entrepreneurial advice and strategies. And he's been ramping up his sets to prepare for filming, with the expectation that he'll finally put Florida in a positive light.

Opening for Smith will be comedian (and previous Best of the Bay winner) Matt Fernandez. Smith's podcast co-host, Eric Readinger, will handle directing duties, and he's filming in Ybor City. If nothing else, Smith likes things close to home.

"I wanted to keep it local because Tampa Bay has amazing, underrated talent," he said.

Tickets to see Law Smith tape his special on Friday, June 28 and Sunday, June 30 at The Gimmick in Ybor City are still available and start at $19.69.

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