Sharon Shannon: The hot Irish accordion ace who plays with the likes of U2 and Sting charges in with her seriously lively six-piece Celtic Folk-Rock Band. 8 p.m. today, Grammer's, Liberty and Walnut Streets, Over-the-Rhine. $15. 661-3668.

        Amy Tan: The best-selling author of The Joy Luck Club and The Kitchen God's Wife has a sizzling new job name of The Bonesetter's Daughter, the story of a young girl in 1930s China and her daughter in modern San Francisco. She signs at 7 p.m. today, Books & Co., 350 E. Stroop Road, Dayton. (800) 777-4881.

        Zany Brainy: The hip new kids' store offers programs to keep wee fingers busy all morn. Today's is “Stories 'n Stuff” and turning secret ingredients into Thomas wheels for ages 4 and under. 10:30 a.m. Rookwood Commons, Edmundson and Edwards Roads, Norwood. Free. 396-6711.

Staying in

        Must see: Some impressive star power in this trial-run series: Brian Dennehy, a retired fireman, trying to maintain order over his three grown sons, his daughter-in-law and his granddaughter. Does it work? Uneven, with some moments predictable, some sharp and funny. The Fighting Fitzgeralds premiere, 8:30 p.m., Channel 5.

Video picks

        Critic's Picks: Enquirer film critic Margaret A. McGurk recommends catching up with the year's best comedy, Meet the Parents, as well as the Oscar-nominated work of Joan Allen and Jeff Bridges in The Contender.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Count on it when guitar master Leo Kottke grabs his pick: folk, jazz, pop, anything, everything. 8 p.m. Wednesday, 20th Century, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley. $20-$25. 779-9462.

        48 hours out: Krohn Conservatory shows off Heirloom Gardens, its new Spring Show, complete with refreshments, dulcimer music and info on the moon from Dean Regas of the Cincinnati Observatory Center. 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Eden Park. $3. 421-5707.

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