Going out

        Paul Thorn: The rootsy singer-songwriter and WNKU-FM favorite makes a return appearance at the Southgate House, 8 p.m. today, 24 E. Third St., Newport. $12. 779-9462.

        Lecture series: The Taft Museum of Art begins a three-week modern art lecture series, 7:30 p.m. today with curators looking at the birth and growth of modern art from the early 19th to the mid-20th century. 316 Pike St., downtown. $15 per lecture ($40 for series). 241-0343.

        New documentary: The Cincinnati Film Society presents a screening of a new documentary about CCM's summer opera program in Lucca, Italy, by local filmmaker Steven Gebhardt, 9 p.m. today at the Cincinnati Art Museum. $4-$5. 251-6060.

        Jam band: The world beat-influenced Sound Tribe Sector 9brings its improvisational, psychedelic rhythms to Bogart's, 8 p.m. today, 2621 Vine St., Corryville. $10-$12. 562-4949.

Staying in

        TV picks: NBC's Ed (Tom Cavanagh) returns for a new season to romance Carol (Julie Bowen) until his old girlfriend (Rena Sofer) shows up (8 p.m., Channels 5, 22). The West Wing season premiere follows (9 p.m.).

        • TV Critic John Kiesewetter also says Nick at Nite's Cheers marathon (9 p.m.-5:30 a.m.) features the best of Lebanon's Woody Harrelson, including a guest shot of a young Lisa Kudrow (about 10:30 p.m.).

The Goods

        Disk picks: The week's big rock release is the Strokes' Is This It? (RCA; $17.98 CD only).

        Classical vocal prodigy Charlotte Church returns with Enchantment (Sony Classical; $18.98 CD, $12.98 cassette).

        And Northern Ohio's venerable soul men the O'Jays haven't lost their romantic streak on For the Love (MCA; $18.98 CD, $12.98 cassette).

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival opens four weeks of the Bard's classic comedy Twelfth Night, 8 p.m. Thursday, 719 Race St., downtown. $15-$20. 381-2273.

        48 hours out: The Heritage Village Museum at Sharon Woods goes Halloween with its popular haunted village, Friday-Sunday evenings through Oct. 28. $7. 563-9484.

        72 hours 'til Saturday: The Fall Celebration Contemporary Christian Music Festival features big acts such as Jars of Clay, Audio Adrenaline and Jaci Velasquez, 2 p.m., TimberWolf Amphitheatre, Paramount's Kings Island. $15.99-$36.99. 562-4949.

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

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