Going Out

Family time: The Midwest Regional Black Theatre Festival continues today with a public reading of Paula Sherman's play, My Father, My Uncle and Neighbor Next Door. Evelyn, the play's protagonist, comes home after a 17-year absence when she learns of her father's recent brush with death. The audience is encouraged to give feedback after the reading. 7 p.m. today, Cincinnati Museum Center, Newsreel Theatre, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. Pay-what-you-can. 421-1100.

Baby, it's you: Sometimes, the best way to really appreciate a classic film is to enjoy it on the big screen. Showcase Cinemas has started its Silver Screen Classics series. This week, watch the 1982 comedy classic Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman, Sydney Pollack, Teri Garr and Jessica Lange. 1 p.m. today, Showcase Cinemas, 5870 Harrison Ave., Dent. $1. 574-3793.

Take a trip: How about spending "An Evening in India?" At One World Wednesdays at the Cincinnati Art Museum, enjoy Indian cuisine, a wine tasting buffet, traditional Indian dances, a gallery stroll through the museum's Indian art collection, music by Mohenjo Daro and crafts in the Education Center. The party starts at the museum and continues at The Monastery in Mount Adams, which offers free parking and shuttle. 5:30 p.m. today, Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. $6, $3 Enjoy the Arts/START members, free Art Museum members. 639-2995.

Think you're funny? Friends talk about your quick wit. Your jokes become the life of the party. Well, here's your big chance. Go Bananas presents Pro-Am Night, where stand-up wannabes reach for the stars and laughs with a five-minute time limit. 8:30 p.m. today, Go Bananas Comedy Club, 8410 Market Place, Montgomery. $5. 984-9288.

Creating "Creation": Yumi Fuller is a Japanese-American who brings her family back to her Idaho farm home to help care for her ailing parents. Author Ruth Ozeki discusses her circle-of-life book, All Over Creation, 7 p.m. today, Books & Co., Town and Country Shopping Center, 350 E. Stroop, Kettering. Free. (937) 298-6540.

Poetry and prose: Spend the evening under the melodic meter manipulations of local poets Nancy Kangas and Obalaye Macharia during the Poetry in the Garden series, 7 p.m. today, Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, reading garden alcove, 800 Main St., downtown. Free. 369-6900.

On the Web

Help a G.I.: The men and women serving our country around the world sometimes have long stretches of time filled with boredom. Booksforsoldiers.com gives a way to show support and establishes a connection through the love of reading. Soldiers who visit the site write in to request donations of books, tapes or other materials. You can sign onto the site, read through the online bulletin board to find the address of a soldier who needs a book, fill out a form and drop it in the mail. Details are listed on the site.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: Here's another chance to bring your poetic thoughts or musical muse out in public. Rohs Street Cafe has its weekly jazz and spoken word show at 8 p.m. Thursday. 245 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights. All ages are welcome and all who perform get in free. All others pay $2. 328-7647.

Shauna Scott Rhone

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