Going out

        Carrot Top: It's an evening of stand-up — outrageous, raucous, a surprise a minute — when the red-haired comedian brings his uproarious “Lord of the Props” tour to town. 8 p.m. today, Taft Theatre, Fifth and Sycamore streets, downtown, $25. 562-4949.

        Classical: The 176 keys of the acclaimed piano duo Richard Steinbach and Howard Helveyopen the 2001-02 “Music at Calvary” season with an afternoon full of Mozart, Brahms, Shostakovich and more. 4 p.m. today, Calvary Episcopal Church, 3766 Clifton Ave., Clifton. 861-4437.

        Art show: More than 190 artisans, some of the city's most famous don't you know, invade Erie Avenue and Edwards Road to show their wares at the 35th annual Hyde Park Square Art Show. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today. 321-7278.

        Nature: Learn how to identify birds by their songs and calls — maybe you can even sing along — when a naturalist presents “Bird Songs for Beginners.” 3 p.m. today, Sharon Woods' Sharon Centre. 521-7275.

Staying in

        TV picks: Ellen DeGeneres hosts the 53rd Annual Prime-Time Emmy Awards (8-11 p.m., Channels 12, 7) broadcast live from Los Angeles and New York.

        • TV Critic John Kiesewetter also says PBS debuts its new Sunday lineup, with an American Masters profile of Samuel Goldwyn (9-11 p.m., Channels 48, 54, 16). Masterpiece Theatre moves to 9 p.m. Monday.

        Norm!: Cheers arrives on Nick at Nite with a 9 p.m.-2 a.m. marathon this week, starting today.

Opening night

        Films a'plenty: The AMC 20-screen multiplex at Newport on the Levee warms up for its Friday opening with a preview. Today is The Cincinnati Enquirer free movie day, with several summer films. Proceeds from $2 popcorn-drink combos goes to Newspapers in Education. See paper for admission coupons. Shows begin at 11:30 a.m. Come Friday, it's a noontime grand opening. Buy advance tickets (859-261-8100, online at www.moviewatcher.com.) and enter the grand-opening contest and maybe win a trip to California.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Bestselling fantasy writer Nick Bantock introduces the first volume in a new Morning Star trilogy entitled The Gryphon. 7 p.m. Monday, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.

        48 hours out: Scottish folk-pop at its best when Travis blows in with the up-and-coming alternative act Remy Zero. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Bogart's, 2621 Vine St., Corryville. $20. 562-4949.

        72 hours 'til Wednesday: The Taft Museum of Art opens a three-week lecture series on modern art with curators looking at the birth and growth of the genre from the early 19th to the mid 20th century. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 316 Pike St., downtown. 241-0343.

        Contact Jim Knippenberg by phone: 768-8513; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: knipenquirer@yahoo.com.

Reality auditions - only the strong survive
Meet the 16 contestants
Jones keeps up with world through dance company
DAUGHERTY: Everyday
Dress for Success and more
Egg donor thrilled procedure worked
Hello Kitty collection tickles owner pink
Film festival salutes Doris Day
DEMALINE: 'Fishman' catches producer's eye
NYC's Bargemusic still afloat after attacks
'O Brother' big bluegrass winner
'Say It Loud': From Joplin to Coolio
It will be hail to the chief at Emmy Awards
Critic picks Emmy winners
KENDRICK: Alive and well
Modest Mouse sells out Southgate House
Convenience foods step way over the lazy line
No special treatment for critic in restaurants
Spanish reds good and very affordable
Sweet on sharing
Get to it