Going out

        Maura O'Connell: Color of the day is hot red, but the concert is all green when the celebrated Celtic folk artist hits town and mellows out with a Valentine's Day concert. 8 p.m. today, 20th Century, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley, $18-$22. 779-9462.

        Auto Expo: Indy Racing League standout Jacques Lazierroars in to greet fans and sign autographs at the Cincinnati Enquirer/Cincinnati Post Auto Expo. 7-9 p.m. today, Albert B. Sabin Convention Center, downtown, $7, $2 youth. 281-0022.

        Studio series: The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Drama Department opens Luigi Pirandello's challenging Six Characters in Search of an Author, sort of a play-within-a-play. 8 p.m. today, UC's Studio Theater through Saturday, free (some standby seating available). 556-4183.

        Country cruise: Perfect timing — well it is Valentine's Day — for this American Heart Association benefit. Country station WYGY-FM (96.5) sets sail on a cruise aboard the Belle of Cincinnatiwith a buffet and twangy music from John Berry and Brad Martin.7:30 p.m. today, leaves from Covington Landing, $32.50. (859) 261-8500.

Staying in

        TV picks: Happiness is A Charlie Brown Valentine (8 p.m., Channels 9, 2), the first new Peanuts special in a decade, and the first since Charles M. Schulz died two years ago this week. Longtime producers based the script on the wealth of Peanuts comic strips.

        • Critic John Kiesewetter also says that Channel 48 repeats the romantic Cincinnati Pops Holiday: Love Is in the Air (8:30 p.m.).

Hot tickets

        Great White Way: Subscriptions go on sale today for the eagerly awaited 2002-03 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati season with the ultra-hot Producers (Oct. 22-Nov. 10) and an extended run of The Lion King (March 21-May 18, 2003). Also: 42nd Street (Sept. 17-Sept. 29), Contact (Dec. 17-29), Seussical: The Musical (Jan. 28-Feb. 9, 2003) and Jesus Christ Superstar (Feb. 18-March 2, 2003). Buy through the Season Ticket Hotline (800-294-1816) beginning 9 a.m. or at the Broadway in Cincinnati (8:30 a.m.) office, Mercantile Center, 120 E. Fourth St., downtown.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players tune up for Piazzolla's History of the Tango, Moszkowski's Suite for Two Violins and Brahms Horn Trio. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, $16. 381-3300.

        48 hours out: Krohn Conservatory fires up the ovens for “Real Food That Comes from the Garden,” with cooking demonstrations, classes and tastings. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Eden Park, call 352-4080 for complete schedule.

        72 hours 'til Sunday: The Main Public Library hosts Dr. Herbert Woodward Martin for his costumed performance of Paul Laurence Dunbar's famous poetic works. 2 p.m., 800 Vine St., downtown. 369-6945.

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

Dress-alike spouses wear their hearts on their sleeves
Belle of the 'Monster's Ball'
KNIPPENBERG: Knip's Eye View
Black theatre fest to add out-of-towners
Ex-bike shop owner now shooting Ozzy
Know Theatre Tribe's daring triple play challenges viewers
The Early Word
'Friends' stars signed away rumors
Get to it