RSVP

14 TODAY

HIPPITY HOPPITY HOE-DOWN: Sponsored by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, the two-day hoe-down begins at noon with arts and crafts, carnival rides and entertainment from area churches and schools at the corner of Bloomingdale Avenue and Providence Road in Riverview. Rebel Pride will entertain from 7 to 10 tonight at Winthrop Village. Saturday's festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with a breakfast with the Easter Bunny, an Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts, carnival rides, a rib fest and wing ding and an amateur barbecue rib cook-off. Thunder Road takes the stage from 4 to 7 Saturday, and Diamond Gray performs from 8 to 11 p.m. Admission to afternoon events is free; concert is $7. Call 689-1221.

AMONG THE BUSHES: This band, direct from Ireland, will play Irish music at O'Briens Irish Pub and Grill, 701 Lumsden Road, Brandon. Call 661-9688.

COMEDY CLUB: Comedian Al Romero will perform at 8:30 and 10:30 tonight and Saturday at the Comedy Club at the Brandon Brew House, 779 W Lumsden Road. Call 661-5527.

SECOND CHANCE: This dance band will entertain from 6 to 10 tonight and Saturday at Circles Restaurant at 1212 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach. Call 641-3275.

CYNTHONY AND COMPANY: This duo will sing and play jazz from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Della's After Dark, 608 Oakfield Drive, Brandon. Call 684-3354

SCOTTISH SEAN: This singer, who sounds like a raspy Rod Stewart, will entertain at 8:30 tonight and Saturday at the Fox and Hounds, 229 E Brandon Blvd. Call 685-8151.

BRANDON POETS: This group will meet at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 122 Brandon Town Center Drive, Westfield ShoppingTown Brandon. Tom Mueller is the featured poet. Poets are encouraged to share their poetry during open mic. Call 661-9883.

15 SATURDAY

MINERALS AND GEMS: More than 35 jewelry dealers will sell their wares from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundayat Tampa Mineral and Science Show. It's at the Florida State Fairgrounds on U.S. 301, south of Exit 5 off Interstate 4. Demonstrations, lectures, exhibits of fossils and minerals, gold panning, auctions, raffles and children's activities are all part of the two-day show. Cost is $4 for adults and $3 for students. Children 12 and younger get in free with an adult. Call 684-2039

TWO PLUS TWO: Gary Ward and Willie Lawson make up this jazz duo. They will perform from 6:30 to 9:30 tonight at Della's After Dark, 608 Oakfield Drive in Brandon. Irish cuisine is on the menu; reservations are required. Call 684-3354

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FILM: The Eagle Audubon Society will present Emigrant Road, An Oregon Trail Adventure at 7:30 tonight at the Kings Point Clubhouse, 1900 Clubhouse Drive, Sun City Center. Cost is $7. Call 634-9229.

SWIM SHOW: Carnival of Animals is the theme for this synchronized swim show presented by the Sun City Center Swim Dancers at 2 today and Sunday. It's at the lap pool on North Course Lane off N Pebble Beach Blvd., Sun City Center. Cost is $2. Call 634-0787.

SMOKING JOES, MATCHMAKING: Smoking Joes and the Camels will perform blues music at 9:30 tonight at O'Briens Irish Bar and Grill, 701 W Lumsden Road, Brandon. At 4 p.m. an Irish matchmaker will match singles. Call 661-9688.

16 SUNDAY

BAR AND RESTAURANT CHALLENGE: Restaurant and bar employees, age 21 and older, are invited to participate in the O'Briens and Guiness Bar and Restaurant Challenge at 3:30 p.m. at O'Briens Irish Bar and Grill, 701 W Lumsden Road, Brandon. Teams will participate in several events, including talent contests, relay races and trivia challenges. Proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Cost is $20 for each three-person team. Call 661-9688.

17 MONDAY

ST. PATRICK'S DAY: Green beer will be served to celebrate all things Irish. The beer starts flowing at 11 a.m. at O'Briens Irish Bar and Grill, 701 Lumsden Road, Brandon. A tent outside the pub will feature bagpipes, Irish dancers, an Irish brunch and giveaways. At 6 p.m. the Spoon-fed Band will perform. Call 661-9688.

IRISH TUNES: Jack McGuire will sing Irish tunes throughout the day beginning at 11 a.m. at Fox and Hounds, 229 E Brandon Blvd., Brandon. Fish and chips and corned beef and cabbage are on the menu. Call 685-8151.