Going out

        Alteractive: The new performance series at Playhouse in the Park kicks off its year with activist/monologist Tim Miller's one-man Glory Box exploring — with humor, mind you — the artistic, spiritual and political implications of being a gay man. 7 p.m. today,Rosenthal Plaza, $6-$10. 421-3888.

        New music: University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music composer Joel Hoffman rips into a recital of recent compositions performed by CCM faculty and musicians from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. today, UC's Robert J. Werner Recital Hall, free. 556-4183.

        Beads & more: How about a few “Baubles, Bangles and Beads?” It's a craft workshop, see, for adults who want to learn a thing or two about dressing up most everything in the house. 7 p.m. today,Wyoming Branch Library, 500 Springfield Pike, call for reservation. 369-6014.

        For kids: LaBoiteaux Woods in College Hill opens a Winter Nature Explorers series for kids, complete with stories, crafts and nature activities. 3:30-5 p.m. today, continues Mondays through March 11 for ages 6-8. $30-$35 for series. 542-2909.

Staying in

        TV picks: Rediscover the wit and wisdom of Mark Twain in Ken Burns' marvelous four-hour, two-part biography (8 p.m. today and Tuesday, Channels 48 and 16; 9 p.m. today and Tuesday, Channel 54).

        • TV Critic John Kiesewetter also says the Today show celebrates its 50th anniversary with former hosts Bryant Gumbel, Barbara Walters, Tom Brokaw, Jane Pauley and Deborah Norville (7-10 a.m., Channels 5, 22).

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Previews begin for Pearl Cleage's Harlem Renaissance drama Blues for an Alabama Sky, 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Robert S. Marx Theatre at Playhouse in the Park. $27. 421-3888.

        48 hours out: The Celebrating Self Series dishes up catered lunch, live jazz and the “History of the Arts in Butler County” from historian Jim Blount. Noon Wednesday, Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton, $10. 863-8873.

        72 hours 'til Thursday: California punk quartet Pennywise rattles a few roof beams at Bogart's. 8 p.m., 2621 Vine St., Corryville. $14. 562-4949.

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

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