There are plenty of things going on throughout the city this week. Here are CityScene's top five picks for March 19-26:

1. Gershwin’s Best.
The Jazz Arts Group’s season continues with I Loves You Porgy, March 24-28 at the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., featuring the Columbus Jazz Orchestra under the direction of world-renowned band leader and trumpet virtuoso Byron Stripling. Celebrating Porgy and Bess, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra features music from Gershwin’s only opera, with the help of 2004 Tony Award nominee Michael McElroy and Capathia Jenkins, who has toured nationally with Dreamgirls. Visit www.jazzartsgroup.org.

2. For the Kids.
Miracles & Magic, Ohio’s top variety show of comedy, magic and grand illusion, hits the stage March 19 and 20 at Capitol Theatre in the Vern Riffe Center, 77 S. High St. Now in its eighth year, the show benefits A Kid Again, formerly Adventures For Wish Kids, which provides ongoing group activities for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. Headlining the show is Mac King of Las Vegas, Nev., a former Stage Magician of the Year at the Hollywood Magic Castle who currently stars in the top family show at Harrah’s in Las Vegas. Visit www.miraclesandmagic.com.

3. Join the Movement.
CAPA presents Diavolo at 8 p.m. March 19 at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. The troupe combines dance and theater, taking movement to the extreme and using surrealistic sets with everyday items such as doors, chains and stairways.

CAPA also welcomes nine-time Grammy Award-winner Eddie Palmieri at 8 p.m. March 20 at the Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St. Palmieri’s explosive and unpredictable keyboard skills have been infusing Latin sounds into the music scene since the 1960s. Visit www.capa.com.  

4. Open Season.
The Short North Seasonal Gallery Open House is from 1-4 p.m. March 21 throughout the Short North Arts District, between Fifth Avenue and Goodale Boulevard. Check out artwork behind the scenes at participating galleries, noted by a silver balloon at storefront. Expect something different from each gallery. Visit www.shortnorth.org.  

5. A Brassy Occasion.
Join ProMusica Chamber Orchestra’s brass musicians with guest organist Todd Wilson for an evening of works by Handel, Widor, Bach and more. “An Evening of Brass and Organ” is at 5:30 p.m. March 20 at the Pontifical College Josephinum, 7625 N. High St. Visit www.promusicacolumbus.org.  

While you’re in the mood for music, enjoy the Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s production of “Mozart & Bruckner” at 8 p.m. March 19-20 at the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. Visit www.columbussymphony.com.  

BONUS: Animal Instinct.
Join the Polar Party at Polaris Fashion Place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 20 at 1500 Polaris Pkwy. This event, celebrating the opening of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Polar Frontier exhibit, includes animals, games and activities. Visit www.columbuszoo.org.  

If elephants are more your thing, check out the 60th Aladdin Temple Shrine Circus March 25-28 at the Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave. Visit www.aladdinshrine.com/circus.