Going out

Shrine Circus: If the lousy weather kept you from getting your annual circus fun fix at the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus, here's another chance: Syrian Shrine Circus opens four days of clowning, animal acts, trapeze artists and all the other big top trappings. 7:30 p.m. today, Cincinnati Gardens, 2250 Seymour Ave., Roselawn, $12-$18. 751-4717.

Night of song: Singer/songwriters Richard Shindell and Tracy Grammer share the stage for a night full of music. 8:30 p.m. today, 20th Century, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley, $15-$18. 779-9462.

Comedy: Ad-lib comic Bob Zany opens four nights of outrageous and interactive fun. 8:30 p.m. today, Go Banana's Comedy Club, 8410 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, seats tonight are $5, $2 for college students. 984-9288.

Viva Espana: The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Philharmonia and Concert Orchestras pound out a tribute to Spanish composers including Chapi, Ravel and Bizet. 8 p.m. today, Corbett Auditorium, UC. $10, $5 students. 556-4183.

On TV

Top pick: From nanny to negotiator: Fran Drescher plays a powerful talent agent on Good Morning Miami (9:30 p.m., Channels 5, 22) who gives her new client (Matt Letscher) quite a reality check - a guest shot on Fear Factor.

• Critic John Kiesewetter also says former Saturday Night Live comedian Will Ferrell guest hosts on CBS' Late Show (11:35 p.m., Channels 12, 7).

Planning ahead

24 hours out: College keg-party masters O.A.R. (Of A Revolution) play two sold-out shows at Bogart's, 8:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2621 Vine St., Corryville. Some unclaimed tickets may be available at the door ($20). 562-4949.

48 hours out: The Taft Museum of Art's inventive "Families Create" program is off-site during renovation, this week at the Weston Art Gallery with artist Velma Morris discussing her paintings. 1-3 p.m. Saturday,

Aronoff Center, $8 per child (reservation required by Friday). 241-0343.

72 hours till Sunday: Cincinnati Irish (and friends) stalk the streets of downtown for the 27th annual St. Patrick's Parade. 1 p.m., starting at Eighth and Reedy streets. 922-2230.

Jim Knippenberg

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com