Going out

        Auto Expo: The five-day Cincinnati Enquirer/Cincinnati Post Auto Expo revs up with a fleet of the latest models, special editions, custom jobs and more. 6-9 p.m. today, Albert B. Sabin Convention Center, downtown, $7, $2 youth. 281-0022.

        Ash Wednesday: Calvary Episcopal Church marks the season with the Baroque ensemble Apollo's Cabinet, complete with liturgical readings and music, including Bach's Trio Sonata from “The Musical Offering” and Biber's Mystery (Rosary) Sonata X. 7 p.m. today, 3766 Clifton Ave., Clifton. 861-4437.

        Theater: Stagecrafters of the Jewish Community Center tries out a new performance space for a romp with Tevye and His Daughters. 8 p.m. today, Reading High School auditorium, Columbia and Benson avenues, through Sunday, $9. 351-1234.

        Decorative painting: Interior decorating guru Tera Leighshows off simple painting techniques and discusses her new Complete Book of Decorative Painting. 7 p.m. today, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.

Staying in

        TV picks: Prime time features some speedy women tonight: 500- meter speedskaters, finals of the luge singles and 1500-meter speedskate. Also: Ski jumping and the combined competition (downhill and slalom) for men's Alpine skiing. Winter Olympics, 4-5 p.m., 8-11:30 p.m., 12:05-1:35 a.m., Channel 5.

The Goods

        Critic's picks: The Oz queen of Americana, Kasey Chambers, delivers her rocking sophomore effort, Barricades & Brickwalls (Warner Brothers; $18.98 CD only).

        • Showtime TV star Chris Isaak is back in melancholy troubadour mode on Always Got Tonight (Reprise, $18.98 CD only).

Call for extras

        Want to be in a TV commercial with Blessid Union of Souls? Enjoy the Arts is shooting one today at Middletown's Sorg Opera House and needs a ton of extras to pose as an opera audience. Dress is formal — tuxes and dressy gowns if you have them — but the audience is seated, so there are ways around it. Extras are needed 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. or noon-6 p.m. or both. Just show up. Info: 621-4700.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: The American Heart Association sets sail on “The New 96.5 Heart Cruise” fund-raiser on the Belle of Cincinnati with music from country artists John Berry and Brad Martin and a Valentine's Day buffet. Sails 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Covington Landing, $32.50. (859) 261-8500.

        48 hours out: The off-center Contemporary Fridays pops up with a night of comedic magic from Tom Frank, along with karaoke and the anime exhibit. 6-9 p.m. Friday, Contemporary Arts Center, 115 E. Fifth St., downtown, $5. 721-0390.

        72 hours 'til Saturday: Actors and musicians can audition for spots in the Shadowbox Cabaret ensemble starting at noon at the Newport on the Levee theater. Prepare short monologue or bring your instrument. (614) 416-7625.

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

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