Though born in Florida, Scott “Carrot Top” Thompson has a special connection to Northeast Ohio. His parents met at Case Western Reserve University, where his dad studied aeronautical engineering. And his aunt is former Akron Beacon Journal columnist Fran Murphy. Carrot Top, who holds down a regular gig in Las Vegas, seeks to “carrotize” audiences with lasers and pyrotechnics. In the past, props have included a toilet attached to a plate and high heels with training wheels. In the many cameos he’s had on TV and in films, he often appears as himself. That speaks to the extent to which he’s made a name for himself in a comedy world cluttered with lesser talents. He performs tonight at 7:30 at Hard Rock Live. Tickets are $35 to $52.50. (Niesel)