GOING OUT
               Swing musical: It's retro night big-band style with a mighty cast of swing dancers and lush tunes such as “In the Mood,” “I'll be Seeing You” and “White Christmas.” Actor's Repertory Theatre relives the mellow era in the new musical Christmas with the Boys: 1944. 8 p.m. today, 2 N. Main St., Middletown. $15-$18. (513) 727-9361.

        Groove band: The groove-driven organ trio Medeski, Martin and Woodassumes people who come to their keyboard-happy shows love to dance. You get your rock, your jazz and your improvisational sounds, all concocted to wear out your dancing shoes. 8 p.m. today, Bogart's, 2621 Vine St., Corryville. $17.50-$20. 562-4949.

        Beer book: Hudepohl-Schoenling dishes up the suds, Timothy Holiandishes up the history at a tasting and signing of his Over the Barrel: The Brewing History and Beer Culture of Cincinnati. 7 p.m. today, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.

Staying In
               In a new Christmas ER episode, Dr. Chen (Ming-Na) begins to have a change of heart about putting her baby up for adoption, while Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) and Dr. Corday (Alex Kingston) go to New York (10 p.m., Channels 5, 22).

        • TV Critic John Kiesewetter saysGarfieldwarms up to Jon's hip grandmother on A Garfield Christmas Special (8:30 p.m., Channels 12, 7).

What's in stores today
               Mouse playback: Pitched as an action computer game for cats, CyPurr Mouse from Ethical Products wheels around in mad patterns, eyes flashing wildly and voice singing teasingly. Then it stops. Touch and sound sensors bring it back to life with a meow, a swat or a human voice. Automatically shuts off and plays dead every 15 seconds. For extra fun, tuck it in a blanket or paper bag and make kitty work for it. About $12 at pet stores. (800) 223-7768.

Planning Ahead
               24 hours out: Edgy, dicey, sometimes over the top, Contemporary Fridays at the Contemporary Arts Center pushes the envelope. This week it's the wickedly funny improv of Friends of Lucy. 6-8 p.m. Friday, 115 E. Fifth St., downtown. $5. 345-8400.

        48 hours out: Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a mighty busy couple this time of year, you betcha, pop up at Krohn Conservatory amid 20 zillion poinsettias. 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Eden Park. 421-4086.

        72 hours 'til Sunday: The classical quartet Opus One, a stellar foursome to be sure, headlines the Linton Music Series' second season concert. 4 p.m., First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Avondale. $27.50. 381-6868.

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

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