Going out

Karamazov Brothers: The renowned acro-juggle-slapstick act joins Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for the show they're taking to Carnegie Hall in April, 7 p.m. today, Music Hall. $17-$47. 381-3300.

Doug Berky: The acclaimed children's performer brings his unique brand of mime, mask and movement theater to the Carnegie Kids' Connections series, 1 p.m. today, Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington. $3-$5. (859) 491-2030.

Johnny Bench: The Baseball Hall of Famer talks about his career with the Cincinnati Reds, and answers questions from the audience at a Jewish Community Center fund-raising event, 2 p.m. today, Sycamore Junior High School, 5757 Cooper Road, Blue Ash. $10-$25. 761-7500.

Synth star: Instrumental master Yanni brings his "Ethnicity" tour to U.S. Bank Arena, 7:30 p.m. today. $41.50-$59.50. 562-4949.

On TV

Top picks: (subject to pre-emption for coverage of the Iraq situation) include:

• Basketball, noon to about 7 p.m. Channels, 12, 7 (Details in Sports, Section B). The second round of the NCAA Tournament continues. Early tonight we'll know next week's Sweet 16.

• Making of Fear Factor (7 p.m.) and Fear Factor (7:30-9 p.m.), Channels 5, 22. First there's an inside look at this oft-nasty show. Then the Las Vegas episode that follows is a rerun.

• Masterpiece Theatre: The Ponder Heart, (9 p.m., Channels 48, 16). Here's a rerun of an "American Collection" film. Like others in that category, it's skillfully acted and directed. This is a Eudora Welty tale of a Mississippi heir (Peter MacNicol) who is generous with his money. He meets a backwoods teen (Angela Bettis) who becomes the centerpiece of a marriage and a murder trial. There's a quiet - and sometimes elusive - charm here.

• Six Feet Under, Claire (Lauren Ambrose) realizes she may have real talent. Meanwhile, Ruth lets loose at a party. This week's episode-opening death scene, incidentally, has a gentle sweetness. (9 p.m., HBO)

Planning ahead

24 hours out: Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati's Theater of the Mind series concludes with a reading of Swordsong by David Richmond and Drew Fracher, 7 p.m. Monday, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. $5. 421-3555.

48 hours out: The college-rock favorite Guster is at Bogart's, 8 p.m. Tuesday, 2621 Vine St., Corryville. $17.50. 562-4949.

72 hours till Wednesday: There's a 70th anniversary celebration at Krohn Conservatory with cake, a new "memory wall" exhibit and notables such as Mayor Charlie Luken and Director of Parks Willie F. Carden Jr., 11:30 a.m., Eden Park. 352-4080.

E-mail jnebel@enquirer.com