Going out

        Suzanne Vega: The pioneering and introspective singer/songwriter sings a song or two from her new Songs in Red and Gray. 8 p.m. today, Bogart's, 2621 Vine St., Corryville, $15. 562-4949.
       David Baldacci: The bestselling author of the edgy legal thriller Absolute Power is here with his new Last Man Standing. 7 p.m. today, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.

        Corigliano Quartet: The chamber group devoted to works by composer John Corigliano (Red Violin, Ghosts of Versailles) plays String Quartet No. 1 and a new work that sets Bob Dylan's poetry to music. 8 p.m. today, Corbett Auditorium, UC, $7-$20. 556-4183.

        Madcap: The giant puppet theater company begins two weeks of the new Tiny Tot Tales for ages 3-7. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. today, Cincinnati Art Museum, runs Tuesdays-Fridays through Dec. 14, $4. 721-2787.

Staying in

        TV picks: Here's an offer you can't refuse: The Godfather airs uncut, and with only two commercial breaks each hour (8 p.m., TNN). The Godfather, Part II airs Wednesday (8 p.m., TNN).

        • TV Critic John Kiesewetter also says Bernie Mac hosts the Billboard Music Awards (8-11 p.m., Channels 19, 45), which honors John Mellencamp with the Century Award.

Barry's Gifts

        If there is anything more relaxing than having your scalp probed by a small hand-held pitchfork, we frankly cannot imagine what it is. That is why we are so excited about the Head Trip scalp-massager, made from the finest quality bent wire. According to the brochure, the Head Trip is “well on its way to becoming an international fad sensation.” We suspect that this product may also enable you to receive radio signals directly into your brain. $17.50 plus shipping and handling from The Happy Company, (800) 486-2896 or www.thehappycompany.com.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Kentucky-bred author Bobbie Ann Mason signs her new Zigzagging Down a Wild Trail story collection. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.

        48 hours out: The popular and raucous World's Largest Office Party serves up celebrity bartenders and music by The Rusty Griswalds.5-10 p.m. Thursday, Hyatt Regency, Fifth and Elm streets, downtown, $10 benefits American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge. 579-1234.

        72 hours 'til Friday: The new cabaret theater group, Queen City Off Broadway, opens three weeks of The Eight Reindeer Monologues, an irreverent look at holiday customs with North Pole types telling it as it is. 8 p.m., Upstairs at Carols, 825 Main St., downtown, $12-$15. 542-2776.

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

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