One event on the must list is the masquerade Beaux Arts Ball, an idea that comes and goes and bumps from host to host.

This new edition, Proportions, Contortions and Distortions, is set for 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday at Grammer's Restaurant, the long-shuttered Over-the-Rhine watering hole of bygone days that still has atmosphere to burn.

The evening will benefit Cincinnati's outdoor public art, both its creation and conservation. A portion of the proceeds will be dedicated to scholarship initiatives. Organizers are the American Institute of Architects, its Young Architects and Interns Forum and local artists.

The inspiration, says party chair Emily Shufeldt, was a meeting of Cincinnati City Council's arts and culture committee in early summer at Findley Market, where committee chair and (Beaux Arts honorary chair) Jim Tarbell outlined a public art initiative for the city.

The initiative has been stalled by lack of funding; the ball, says Shufeldt, "is the small piece we can do as part of the larger vision."

The night's entertainment will include Robin Lacy & DeZydeco, the Pickled Brothers, Todd Hepburn and Mysterious Ways Dance Ensemble. Donated art pieces will be auctioned for the cause.

Tickets are $50 and must be bought in advance by calling the Institute of Architects at (513) 421-4661 or check www.aiacinciball .org.

Grammer's is located at the corner of Liberty and Walnut streets.

Jackie Demaline