CAC groundbreaking: Where is that new Contemporary Arts Center? It's coming, it's coming, says director Charles Desmarais.

        Demolition at the northwest corner of Sixth and Walnut will begin by the end of this month. Groundbreaking on the Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art will be in late May.

        Construction is expected to take 18-24 months. The opening is scheduled for spring 2003.

        In other CAC news, after a national search, Thom Collins, who came here last year to join the staff of Cincinnati Art Museum as associate curator of contemporary art, has been named senior curator at the CAC.

        Everybody involved says they're thrilled including art museum director Timothy Rub, who congratulates Mr. Collins on “a wonderful opportunity.”

        In his official statement, Mr. Collins says, “When I first contemplated moving to Cincinnati a little over a year ago, the CAC's strong national reputation and visionary plans for growth were key enticements, though at that time I never imagined being a part of the institution's future.”

        Finalists: Two Cincinnati premieres, Dead-Eye Boy (Playhouse in the Park) and Glimmer, Glimmer and Shine (Ensemble Theatre), have made the cut from semifinalists to a group of six finalists in the American Theatre Critics Association national new play award. The winner will be announced in March at Humana Festival of New American Plays in Louisville.

Last Minute

        Blues with red sauce: Tonight, an evening of Italian food and Windy City blues, as Lucille's Blues Club (3715 Winston Ave., Latonia) hosts the Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings. The group got its start as the Mellow Fellows, the band behind the late blues shouter Big Twist, who died 10 years ago next month. It's the usual Lucille's deal — Italian food served from 7-8 p.m., when the music starts, so you get home early enough for a decent night's sleep before work on Friday. $20 includes dinner. Reservations: (859) 431-8086.
        Sci-fi film series: Xavier University's “Ethics in Science Fiction” series continues tonight with a screening of the 1979 Ridley Scott classic Alien. A discussion will follow with James Buchanan of the university's Ethics/Religion and Society Program and Jodi Wyett of the English department. Showtime is 7 p.m. in Kelley Auditorium, Alter Hall. Free.

Countdown

        The Philharmonia Orchestra, Chamber Choir and Chorale perform an historic re-creation of Haydn's oratorio The Creation in its original English version, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Corbett Auditorium at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. To make it authentic, the chorus will stand in front of the orchestra and a fortepiano — an instrument predating the “modern” piano — will accompany the recitatives. Earl Rivers conducts, with student soloists. Tickets: $10 general; $5 non-UC students; UC students are free. 556-4183.

Movies opening Friday

        • Disney's Recess

        • Down to Earth
        • Sweet November

Coming Friday in Weekend

        The art of Gordon Parks at Cincinnati Art Museum

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