Going Out

'Dracula': Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival opens a chilling stage adaptation of the Bram Stoker novel with former company member Giles Davies in the title role, 7:30 p.m. today, 719 Race St., downtown. Through Nov. 16. $16-$20. 381-2273.

Church concert: The Polished Brass Quintet performs a lively mix of upbeat classical music, TV themes, Broadway, Beatles and more, 7 p.m. today in the historic St. Rose Catholic Church, 2501 Eastern Ave., East End. Free. 232-3942.

Art opening: Art Academy of Cincinnati graduate Thom Shaw, known for his woodcuttings and large-scale paintings tackling social problems, returns to his alma mater for a retrospective exhibit, Homecoming, showcasing close to 20 pieces made during the last 10 years. Opening reception is 5-7 p.m. today, in the academy's Chidlaw Gallery, Eden Park. 562-8777.

Haunted Ohio: Chris Woodyard, author of the Haunted Ohio book series, is at the Hamilton Lane Library for a presentation, "200 Years of Ghosts," including new spooks from her recent release Haunted Ohio V, 7 p.m. today, 300 N. Third St., Hamilton. Free. 894-6557, Ext. 101.

Halloween Exhibit

Masks galore: Just in time for the holiday, the Main Public Library is mounting a mask exhibit featuring 130 examples from around the world. On loan from an anonymous collector, the exhibit includes vintage hand-painted

papier-m’che pieces, starched cloth masks from Germany, and mysterious folk pieces from Mexico. On view 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, second floor of South Building (adjacent to Education & Religion section), 800 Vine St., downtown. 369-6900.

The Goods

Notables and pets: The United Coalition for Animals has just released its fund-raising calendar, Pets and Their Cincinnati Celebrities, with area personalities such as Nick Clooney, Mayor Charlie Luken, arts patron Lois Rosenthal, Reds pitcher Danny Graves and more posing with their pets. Profits from the calendar benefit spay/neuter efforts, humane education, pet care seminars and adoptions. Calendars are $14.95 and can be purchased at Bigg's, Barnes & Noble, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Just Saab or by calling 981-7933.

Planning Ahead

24 hours out: Old-school comedians Tim Conway and Harvey Korman are at the Taft Theatre for two shows, 6 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Fifth and Sycamore streets, downtown. $45-$55. 562-4949.

48 hours out: BarrelHouse Brewing Co. hosts breweries from the around the country for its annual MicroBrewery Festival featuring more than 60 specialty brews, 1 p.m.-midnight Saturday, 22 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine. Three tastings times: 1-4 p.m., 5-8 p.m. and 9 p.m.-midnight. $25 includes beer sampling, appetizers and live entertainment. 421-2337.

72 hours out: Saxophone great Joshua Redman is the featured guest artist at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music's "In a Whirl of Jazz 4" fund-raiser, 5 p.m. Sunday, Corbett Auditorium, UC. $20 concert ($75 includes dinner reception). 556-4183.

Jason Nebel

E-mail jnebel@enquirer.com; fax: 768-8016