Best Bets: Fun (non-Gasparilla) stuff to do this week

Looking for some fun stuff to do this week that doesn't involve a pirate hat and beats? Here are our editors' picks for the upcoming week.

TEETERING ON THE EDGE

(FRIDAY)

Bawdy comic Ron White, 55, is politically incorrect, unapologetic and edgy – and his fans would have him no other way. The former "Blue Collar Comic," who once performed with Jeff Foxworthy, Larry The Cable Guy and Bill Engvall, appears at 7:30 at The Mahaffey in St. Pete.

SOULFUL CIRCUS

(FRIDAY-SUNDAY)

UniverSoul, now in its 18th year, has remained true its roots, empowering and enlightening black audiences who might have felt underserved by mainstream circuses. But above all, it's a circus that wants to entertain everyone. Circus enthusiasts will see more than 60 featured performers including the "Bone Crushers," contortionists from Africa who writhe their bodies to hip-hop and R&B, along with Caribbean stilt walkers and motorcycle acts. Check it out in the Raymond James Stadium parking lot.

DYNAMIC OPERA DUO

(FRIDAY, SUNDAY)

Pietro Mascagni's "Cavalleria rusticana" and Ruggero Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci" are sort of the dynamic duo of opera. Often performed together and, thus, colloquially known as "Cav and Pag," these late 19th-century works illustrate love, jealousy and deception in small-town Italy. Though different, they complement each other on multiple levels. Opera Tampa and Maestro Anton Coppola will present these verismo masterpieces in two performances at the Straz, featuring tenor Scott Piper as Canio in "Pagliacci" and as Turiddu in "Cavalleria."

FUN COUNTRY

(SATURDAY)

It didn't take long for Zac Brown to realize that Clay Cook was the missing piece for his band when the multi-instrumentalist joined the country act in 2009. Cook craved to be part of a group that would create new, vibrant music, and his wish was granted. Check out the country chart-toppers at the Amp.

REMEMBER HARRY POTTER?

(SATURDAY-SUNDAY)

After seven books and eight blockbuster movies, hardcore Harry Potter fans might have one more mystery to unravel. MOSI will reveal the secrets of Diagon Alley to worthy wizards that participate in the Harry Potter inspired Winter Overnight Festival.

'60s FLASHBACK

(SATURDAY THROUGH MAY 6)

Everything old is new again at three exhibits, featuring Romare Bearden, Don ZanFagna and John Cage, opening at the Tampa Museum of Art.

IT'S KITSCHY

(SUNDAY)

Tropical décor and clothing, souvenirs, postcards, fruit crate labels, Cypress knee lighting and other Florida kitsch are on display and sale at the Floridiana Festival and Highwayman Artist Show at the Palladium Theater.

A PIRATE'S LEAP

(SUNDAY)

OK, we lied a little, but this is just Gasparilla-related . We know you're going to leave a little room for "Gaspar: A Pirate Fantasy" at the Straz, a swashbuckling ballet filled with villains, heroes, a fair lady and love.

'MISERABLES' LOVES COMPANY

(TUESDAY THROUGH FEB. 12)

Will Javert get his man, Jean Valjean, in a new staging of Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables" at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts? Our guess is non.

ON THE FREE AND CHEAP

Salute to Sea-niors: Folks 60 and older get in to the Florida Aquarium at a discount for the rest of January, plus a free snack!; all day through Jan. 31; $10; The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa; (813) 273-4000.

Comics Night Out: Open mic night at Side Splitters guarantees a no-holds barred R-rated show; 9 p.m. Sunday; $10 purchased online. Ticket includes drink and Domino's Pizza, no two-item minimum; Side Splitters 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa; (813) 960-1197.

Teen art classes: Kids age 13 to 17 are invited to meet to learn about watercolor, photography, acrylic painting and more from community artists; 6 – 7:30 p.m. Mondays; free; Childs Park YMCA 691 43rd Street South, St. Petersburg; (727) 895-9622.