WEDNESDAY APR 28

Harvard's own hip-hop crew, B-Side, is performing at the Middle East along with True World Order and InciteHear. Spontaneous free-styling and improvised performances will send you home assured that there is more than orchestras and quartets and this ivory tower of ours. See above for Middle East info. 8 p.m. $9 in advance, $11 at the door.

Wynton Marsalis performs music by Duke Ellington at Symphony Hall (301 Mass Ave) along with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Jazz critic Bob Blumenthal opens with a talk. Call 266-1492 to check on the price and 482-6661 for tickets. 8 p.m.

Lions and Tigers and Elephants, Oh My! The Big Apple Circus is in town. Marine Industrial Park at Drydock Avenue and Summer Street next to the Design Center. Tickets from TicketMaster 931-2787 or in person at the box office from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shows at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.