Going out

        Parade: The Findlay Market Reds Opening Day Parade, led by grand marshal Ken Griffey Sr., oom-pahs all over the place, from Findlay Market and Race Street, south on Race, east on Fifth Street, ending at Fifth and Sycamore Streets, downtown. Starts 11:30 a.m. today.721-6533.

        Modern jazz: The alteractive series at Playhouse in the Park features the famous and beloved electric violinist Christian Howes and friends for a jazzy world beat-blues-gospel soaked evening. 7 p.m. today, Rosenthal Plaza, $6-$10. 421-3888.

        1800s Oxford: The Butler County Historical Society looks back to the days when Oxford was a small university town and a hotbed of Underground Railroad activity. 7:30 p.m. today, Ritchie Auditorium, 327 N. Second St., Hamilton, free. (513) 896-9930.

        Disco Biscuits: The high-flying Phish-influenced jam band brings a few surprises to Bogart's. 8 p.m. today, 2621 Vine St., Corryville, $13.50-$15. 562-4949.

Staying in

        TV picks: Play ball! See the final Opening Day game from Cinergy Field when the Reds host the Cubs (2:15 p.m., Fox Sports and Channel 9). Pregame coverage airs noon-2 p.m. on Channel 9.

        • TV Critic John Kiesewetter says Olympic gold medalists Jamie Sale and David Pelletier star in NBC's Shared Gold: Skating Champions Return to the Ice (8 p.m., Channels 5, 22).

Writer's seminar

        Yo, film writers: Cincinnati Screenwriting Seminar has its monthly session coming up. This is the one where aspiring screenwriters are invited to bring material for review and discussion by fellow starving artists. E-mail questions to renegadefilm@aintitcoolmail.com. The session is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Borders Books, 9459 Colerain Ave., Northgate.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Cincinnati Opera's ever so informative Opera Raps series brings in Sister Helen Prejean, author of the bestselling Dead Man Walking, basis of the opera to be produced here this summer. 7 p.m. Tuesday, St. Xavier Church, 607 Sycamore St., downtown, free. 744-3511.

        48 hours out: The Midwest Regional Black Theatre Festival kicks off with Every Voice Counts: A Poetry Anthology for Youth, complete with song, dance and hip-hop theater. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Paul Robeson Theatre, Arts Consortium, 1515 Linn St., West End, $25. 241-6060.

        72 hours 'til Thursday: Barry Manilow and his “Live 2002” tour settle into the Aronoff Center for three nights. 8 p.m., Procter & Gamble Hall, $46-$93. 562-4949.

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

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