Going out

        John Updike: The prolific author of The Witches of Eastwick, the evergreen Rabbit works and a gazillion short stories kicks off the Cincinnati Short Story Festival with a free reading. Other events in the 11-day fest include more readings, panel discussions and workshops with some of the country's best writers and critics. 8 p.m. today, University of Cincinnati's Zimmer Auditorium. 556-5924.

        Bach Arias Group: This acclaimed ensemble, one of the longest-running chamber groups in the United States and the only one devoted exclusively to all-Bach, continues the tradition. 8 p.m. today, UC's Corbett Auditorium. $7-$20. 556-4183.

        Roots rock: The Original Harmony Ridge Creekdipperswith Mark Olson of Jayhawksfame, does its musical thing after an opening by the melodic folk rock group The Silos. 8 p.m. today, Southgate House, 24 E. Third St., Newport. $10-$12. 779-9462.

        Venue changed: Southern Ohio Filmmakers Association has moved its monthly mixer todayfrom Oakley's Habits Cafe across the street to the Twentieth Century Theatre, 3021 Madison Road. $2 charge per person to pay the bartender; BYO food if you're hungry.

Staying In

        TV picks: Here's one you can't quit watching — attractive and empty, frustrating and fascinating. Some weeks one guy is chained to four women; others, it's one woman and four guys. This time it's Andy chained to four women in a spectacular mansion. At times, with no warning, he must dismiss one; then another, down to the last. It's slick, shallow and compelling. Chains of Love, 8 p.m., Channel 25.

        Dark deeds: The death of Buffy's mom brings varied reactions, including an extreme: Buffy's sister tries a dangerous resurrection spell. Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, 8 p.m., Channel 64.

Video picks

        The Yards, one of the best, least-seen movies of last year, arrives on video today, says Enquirer film critic Margaret A. McGurk, along with the popular high-altitude comedy, Space Cowboys.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: This one will tug at the old heartstrings: A preview of Our Country's Good, a moving tale of Australia's earliest dramatic performance, done by English convicts. College-Conservatory of Music is doing it on its Mainstage series. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Patricia Corbett Theater. $10. 556-4183.

        48 hours out: American Indian and nature stories get the treatment when Greater Cincinnati Storytelling Guild tells a tale or two or 10. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, Colerain Avenue and Poole Road, Colerain Township. Suitable for all ages and free. 521-7275.

        72 hours 'til Friday: Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra teams up with the women of May Festival Chorus for two nights of selections from Wagner's Parsifal at Music Hall. $12-$49. 381-3300.

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