GOING OUT
               One night only: Ensemble Theatre artistic director and human firecracker D. Lynn Meyers teams with spiffy composer David Kisor for a raft of holiday surprises. Expectations of Christmas, benefiting Tender Mercies and Hays Elementary, is fun facts, stories and ever-so-festive songs of the season. FaLaLaLaLaLaLaLaLaaaaa. 8 p.m. today, ETC, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. $10. 421-3555.

        Bogart's: Meanwhile, in the anti-holiday spirit, the Corryville club has heavy guitar riffs and angst-filled metal from Disturbed, Union Underground and Spineshank. 8 p.m. today, 2621 Vine St. $16.50-$18. 562-4949.

        Kwanzaa: And this for kids who don't know much about Kwanzaa. How about an afternoon of stories celebrating the African-American cultural fest spiked with crafty things like learning to make a kinara tapestry? 4 p.m. today,Mary Ann Mongan Library, Fifth and Scott streets, Covington. Call to reserve a spot. (859) 491-7610.

Staying In
               TV picks:

Gather the family 'round the TV for the greatest Christmas TV special: A Charlie Brown Christmas (8 p.m., Channels 12, 7).

        • TV Critic John Kiesewetter says Ally McBeal gets the holiday blues when Larry's (Robert Downey Jr.) girlfriend comes to town (9 p.m., Channels 19, 45).

What's in stores today
               Spoiling Phideaux: Decorating the dog this Christmas? For some serious attention, step it up a notch to: A $275 cashmere blanket, a $220 suede coat, a $95 faux pearl necklace or a $120 leash from designers Ferragamo, Coach, Chic Doggie and Fifi & Romeo. The Louis Vuitton monogrammed dog carrier for $930 is a must for arriving in complete style. Order by Dec. 20 at www.eluxury.com and have them in time for a Yuleful of wretched excesses. (415) 348-3500.

Planning Ahead
               24 hours out: The multiplatinum, Grammy award-winning Wallflowers — actually they aren't wallflowers at all; they're a bunch of live wires — haul out their beloved heart-and-soul rock act after an opening set from John Doe Thing. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Bogart's, $28.50. 562-4949.

        48 hours out: It's a double dose of culture: Chat it up with the author and hear him read poetry when Adam Sol shares snippets from his new Jonah's Promise. Yavneh Day School's “Meet the Author” series, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 8401 Montgomery Road, Kenwood. 984-3770, Ext. 452.

        72 hours 'til Thursday: You'll need to do your hair in spit curls for this one — the oh so nostalgic Christmas with the Boys: 1944, a holiday show celebrating the swing era with Actor's Repertory Theatre. 8 p.m., 2 N. Main St., Middletown. $15-$18. (513) 727-9361.

        Get To It appears daily. Send items to Nancy Berlier, Deputy Tempo Editor, at nberlier@enquirer.com

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