Comedians bring impressions, anecdotes to Longboat Key venue

By Dana Kampa
| 4:30 p.m. April 18, 2025

Longboat Key
Neighbors

If the saying "laughter is the best medicine" holds any merit, the Longboat Key community got a good dose of it at the debut Comedy Night, part of the new "Arts in April" campaign to promote public cultural events while raising money for beautification projects.

More than 150 people turned out April 17 at the Town Center Green to support the fundraiser.

Local comedians Cliff Hornsby and Al Earnst opened for Chicago-based headliner Don Tersigni at the fundraiser, which will support the Longboat Key Garden Club in its efforts to restore Longboat Key's public places damaged by recent storms.

Audience members laughed at the comedians' barbs, even when they included admonishments for being late to the snowbird migration.

"Easter is two days away," Earnst said. "There is a reason that Jesus came out of the tomb on the third day and pointed north."

Hornsby, who also goes by the stage name "Gerry Atric," warmed up the crowd with an explanation for why he went into comedy in his 80s.

"I wanted to improve my social calendar besides a doctor," he ribbed.

Comedian Cliff Hornsby reassures the audience that even if he forgets his act, he has something up his sleeve — or rather, on it.

But fans will have to see his full show to experience his distinct brand of comedy which finds the levity in aging and get the answer to why he was fired from working at a funeral home after only a week.

Earnst followed with his main set, sympathizing with residents over floodwater woes. He invited the crowd to visit the indoor pool that was once his garage.

"But that's life," he said. "I think in this day and time, with so much that separates us, laughter is the one thing that unites us."

As a graduate of Sarasota High but Georgia native, he shared jokes about traveling throughout the South for various gigs. Earnst had the audience rolling with his tales of traveling through Punta Gorda Airport.

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Both Earnst and Hornsby hold the significance of having trained at McCurdy's Humor Institute, and Earnst has several upcoming shows at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre.

Rounding out the trio was Tersigni, who took to the stage amidst clapping and the iconic "Rocky" theme music.

He poked fun at his Italian-American heritage, along with travel woes like his questionable motel accommodations. But central to his performance were his celebrity impressions.

Al Earnst, Don Tersigni and Cliff Hornsby perform at the first Comedy Night fundraiser, part of this year's "Arts in April" on April 17 at the Town Center Green.

Brian and Debra Sauers dance while being serenaded with Don Tersigni's rendition of "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis.

Cliff Hornsby, aka "Gerry Atric," opens the show.

Don Tersigni breaks out his Robert De Niro impression for the Longboat Key audience.

Comedian Cliff Hornsby shares anecdotes of entering the world of comedy at 84 years old.

Audiences crack a smile during Al Earnst's set.

Al Earnst details his misadventures traveling through the Punta Gorda Airport.

Audience members particularly responded to insider jokes about Florida living.

Musician Tim Michael McCaig plays as attendees make their way to the Comedy Night fundraiser.

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.