Best Bets for the week of April 8-14

So much to do, so little time. Not to worry, dear readers. TBO Extra editors are here to light the way. Here are our top picks from the upcoming week's events:

CROONIN' AND SWOONIN'

FRIDAY, APRIL 8
Last time heartthrob Harry Connick Jr. was in town, he was filming the movie "A Dolphin's Tale." This time he'll be playing piano and singing original jazz-flavored songs and trad-pop standards. Rumors that the seats at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall will be replaced with fainting couches for the multitalented performer's Friday show are largely unsubstantiated. Proceed with caution.

PLAYING IN THE PARK

FRIDAY, APRIL 8
This week's edition of the Friday Extra Concert Series features another solid lineup of local acts. Poetry 'n Lotion (pictured) transfers hot jazz to the rural routes with plenty of stops in between, while Acho Brother mixes Latin grooves and electro beats. It all goes down Friday evening at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa.

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 through SUNDAY, APRIL 10
So far his show-biz career has seen him covered in feces, wearing a helmet filled with flatulence and vomit, and launching fireworks from his rear-end. Where does Steve-O go from there? On the road, apparently. Steve-O's Entirely Too Much Information Tour features the "Jackass" star, stuntman and all-around nut-job on stage at the Tampa Improv for several nights of totally tasteless TMI.

SEA AND HEARD

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 through SUNDAY, APRIL 10
Coming down with a three-day case of the blues never felt so good. Catch the fever at the 17th annual Tampa Bay Blues Festival, featuring more than a dozen musicians performing in St. Petersburg's Vinoy Park against the backdrop of balmy Tampa Bay. The Robert Cray Band, Jonny Lang and Tab Benoit are the headliners, but the music gets started in the early-afternoon all three days.

A NIGHT AT THE COPA

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 through SUNDAY, APRIL 10
In "Hot! Hot! Hot!" - a musical tribute to New York's famed night spot, The Copacabana - Grammy Award-winning arranger Victor Vanacore (pictured) leads The Florida Orchestra through a night of sizzling Latin dance rhythms, including cha cha, tango, salsa, samba, mambo, merengue and more, all while championship ballroom dancers Andrzej and Jennifer Przybyl strut their stuff. Catch it Friday in Tampa, Saturday in St. Pete or Sunday in Clearwater.

BOUTEILLE CALL

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 through MONDAY, APRIL 11
Wine lovers of all stripes - from the educated oenophile to the amateur grape nut - will find something to sip at Bern's Winefest, the landmark Tampa restaurant's 14th annual opportunity to indulge, refine and please your palate. From tastings and seminars to parties and special dinners, Winefest is a four-day bacchanalia celebrating every aspect of the world of wine. Many events sold out early, so call ahead or check the website for details.

YOU DRINK, THEY DRIVE

SATURDAY, APRIL 9
All aboard! The Tampa Bay Brew Bus takes beer lovers on a whirlwind tour of three of the area's best brewpubs. Sample suds at Peg's Cantina in Gulfport and enjoy tours of the Dunedin Brewery in Dunedin and Cigar City Brewing in Tampa, where the ride begins and ends on Saturday. For fans of local brews, this is a bar-hopping adventure to savor.

DELVING INTO DUALITY

SATURDAY, APRIL 9
Forgive him, Father, for artist Chris Parks explores the world of sin with his new exhibit "Saints and Sinners." The one-night show - held Saturday at Pale Horse Design, his St. Petersburg gallery and studio - includes a 12-skateboard adaption of da Vinci's "The Last Supper" among other works in Parks' distinctive style, all of which should depict a colorful clash between good and evil. The exhibit coincides with "The 600 Block: After Dark" event, so it's a good night for gallery hopping with new openings by Collective Tattoo, Blue Lucy and more.

A TASTE OF TAMPA

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 and SUNDAY, APRIL 10
The fifth annual Ybor Aficionado Days celebrates the sights, sounds and mouthwatering aromas of Tampa's historic district. Featured events include Saturday's night's Tapas Trail, a tour of 17 fine-dining establishments along Ybor's brick streets, an after-party/smoker at the Italian Club and a traditional Spanish brunch and tapas cooking challenge on Sunday morning at The Columbia.

COMPLETE BULL

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 and SUNDAY, APRIL 10
Leave this one to the professionals, kids. The Professional Bull Riders buck and bounce into town with an invitational event that features a 40-rider competition at the St. Pete Times Forum. Witness firsthand "the most dangerous eight seconds in sports" Sunday as cantankerous cattle do their best to whittle down field to the cream of the hang-on-to-your-seat crop.

ART IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 and SUNDAY, APRIL 10
The brick courtyards, fountains and tree-lined streets of Tampa's quaint Hyde Park Village make a scenic and serene backdrop for an outdoor festival, and the 22nd annual Hyde Park Village Art Fair fills the bill. Paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, ceramics and more make for an excellent excuse to get out of the house and go for a weekend stroll.

A STAGE UNDER THE STARS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13 through MAY 8
Pack a picnic and bring your blanket to the 26th annual production of American Stage in the Park. This year's show is "Rent," the Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical about young artists following their dreams in New York's East Village. Head to Demens Landing Park and hope for good weather starting Wednesday. Oh, and if you're too lazy to bring your own meal, nearby Parkshore Grill will have food for sale and beverage vendors will be selling wine, beer, water and soda on-site.