Going out

        Takacs Quartet: The musical trinity of Mozart, Bartok and Beethoven get the treatment when the Cincinnati Chamber Music Society brings in this foursome, recognized as one of the world's top string quartets. Which is why they're regulars in every major music capital and festival. 8 p.m. today, University of Cincinnati's Corbett Auditorium. $7-$20. 556-9460.

        Bookfest: The annual celebration of books continues with a loooong list of activities at the branches today. Including Johnathan Heart's Paper Fantasy, 4 p.m. at Northside branch, 4219 Hamilton Ave.; Marionette Variety Show with Frisch Marionettes, 7 p.m at the Roselawn branch, 7617 Reading Road; and a magic show, 7 p.m. at Mount Healthy branch, 7608 Hamilton Ave. All freebies. 369-6970.

        Antique gardens: American Heirloom bulb specialist Scott G. Kunstlooks back over his blooming shoulder at “Antique Gardens: American Home Landscapes, 1800-1940.” 6 p.m. today, Sharon Wood's Heritage Village Museum, $10 (reservation required). 563-9484.

Staying In

        TV picks: Here comes a show that swirls with comic energy. At the core is Joan Cusack as a teacher dating a handsome banker (Kyle Chandler). She's just starting to like the guy when he decides he wants to marry her. That throws her into a raging and hysterical tizzy. James L. Brooks (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi,and Simpsons)is in charge. What About Joan, 9:30 p.m., Channel 9.

        Aunt Valerie: This should be fun: Valerie Harper guest stars as the sister of Eric's mom. Her success causes some family strain. That '70s Show, 8 p.m., Channel 19.

The Goods
        Video picks: This week's video/DVD releases promise all sorts of high spirits, fun and games for big kids — Charlie's Angels — as well as tots — Rugrats in Paris — Enquirer film critic Margaret A. McGurk says.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Metal meets pop when Tesla hauls a show into town. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Bogart's, 2621 Vine St., Corryville. $22.50-$25. 562-4949.

        48 hours out: Actor's Repertory Theatre trots out one of America's favorite dysfunctional families for two weekends: The gang in Eugene O'Neill's A Long Day's Journey into Night. 8 p.m. Thursday, 2 N. Main St., Middletown. $15-$18. (513) 727-9361.

        72 hours 'til Friday: Modern dance at its finest when Salt Lake City's Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company takes a flying leap here, there and everywhere. 8:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Jarson-Kaplan Theatre, Aronoff Center for the Arts. $12-$20. 241-7469.

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