Going out

        Blue Ash Orchestra: The community orchestra tunes up and turns out a Labor Day concert with war horses by Verdi and Rossini, Mozart's Sinfonia for Winds and, king of all war horses, Tchaikovsky's thunderous 1812 Overture. 6 p.m. today, Blue Ash Towne Square, Hunt and Cooper Roads, free. 474-1584.

        Labor Day fest: Hey, it's a holiday. That means you must do fried chicken and beer, OK? Try it out in the country at St. Peter's Church's Labor Day Festival near Brookville, Ind., with all the usual festive trimmings. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. today, 1207 E. Road (off U.S. 46 in Franklin County). (812) 623-3670.

        Control tower tours: Get the lowdown on Caesar Creek Lake and how it does its part to control flooding in southern Ohio during the park's annual facility tours. Noon-3 p.m. today, starts in the maintenance building, Clarksville Road near Waynesville, free. (513) 897-1050.

        For kids: Children can learn about animal diets at the ever so creative “Flora Fauna's Pizzeria” program. 1-4 p.m. today,Visitor Center, Miami Whitewater Forest. 521-7275.

Staying In

        TV picks: Starting its fourth season, The Hughleys season opener asks what happens when kids learn about parents' past drug use? The show just keeps on tackling tough questions. The Hughleys, 8 p.m., Channel 25.

        • The superb ABC miniseries reruns here in one big chunk. Judy Davis is perfect as the adult Judy Garland. Tammy Blanchard (as the teen Garland) is a knockout. Life With Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows, 7 p.m., Lifetime.

What's in stores today

        Too early to start thinking about Christmas? Not in this case: The 11th edition of the Hayes Presidential Center Christmas ornament, issued by the Fremont, Ohio, based center, is now available at the center's museum. This year's edition shows a snowy scene and the front of the home of the 19th U.S. president. It's in shades of white, green and gold. And produced in a limited supply, which is why it's not too early to start thinking about Christmas. Call (800) 998-7737 (PRES) for info.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: The international phenomenon Sing-A-Long Sound of Music climbs every mountain when it shows the classic film with costumed performers and subtitles for the audience sing-along. Six-day run opens 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dayton's Victoria Theatre, $14.50-$16.50. (937) 228-3630.

        48 hours out: The Cincinnati Art Museum kicks off its extended Wednesday night hours with a reception and some tasty music from the Arc Chamber Orchestra. 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, $3-$5. 721-2787.

        72 hours 'til Thursday: Jefferson Hall rolls out the red carpet for the boogie-woogie roots rock act Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boysfor a 9:30 p.m. show, 1150 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. $10. 723-9008.

        Contact Jim Knippenberg by phone: 768-8513; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: knipenquirer@yahoo.com.

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