Going out

        CSO: Acclaimed young American violinist Joshua Bell joins the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for Brahms' Violin Concerto in D Major on a program that also includes works by Estonian composer Arvo Part and Brahms' Symphony No. 4 in E Minor. 7:30 p.m. today, Music Hall, $12-$51. 381-3300.

        Theater: The community theater stars of Footlighters, Inc. open Richard Maltby and David Shire's musical revue Closer Than Ever. 8 p.m. today, Stained Glass Theater, Eighth and York streets, Newport, $13. 891-1965.

        Trunk show: Chi-chi designer Jay Strongwater shows and sells his flashy jeweled picture frames, boxes and candleholders two days only. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. today-Friday, 2700 Erie, Edwards Road and Erie Avenue, Hyde Park. 533-0042.

        Latin party: Margarita's restaurant in Beechmont celebrates south of the border living with a free outdoor concert with the pan-American horn and drum band Salsa Caliente and live dancers from the Arthur Murray studios. 7-10 p.m. today, 8112 Beechmont Ave., Anderson Township. 474-4154.

Staying in

        TV picks: Glenn Close guest stars as an eccentric photographer shooting a portrait of Will & Grace (9 p.m., Channels 5, 22).

        • Critic John Kiesewetter says Frontline examines the U.S. relationship with Iran since Sept. 11 (9 p.m., Channels 48, 54; 10 p.m., Channel 16).

The Goods - What's in stores today

        Poppin' ollies: Seems kind of sacrilegious, don't you think? Stepping on Spider-Man's face? Or giving Anakin Skywalker the heel? It does, but that's what kids will be doing any day now. With Spider-Man, The Movie and Star Wars, Attack of the Clones about to land, Sport Fun releases one Star Wars and two Spider-Man skateboards themed to the movies, all three with full color laser graphics. They're $29.99 to $34.99 just about everywhere.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Cincinnati Art Galleries opens a retrospective show of works by the revered Cincinnati artist Robert Herrmann. 5-8 p.m. Friday, 225 E. Sixth St., downtown. 381-2128.

        48 hours out: The Vocal Arts Ensemble of Cincinnati raises voices with backing from the Percussion Group Cincinnati in a spring concert full of a cappella Renaissance gems and modern works by Barnett, Robinovitch and Bernstein. 8 p.m. Saturday, Plum Street Temple, Eighth and Plum streets, downtown, $12-$20. 556-4183.

        72 hours 'til Sunday: Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines: Kick off for the Flying Pig Marathon is 6:30 a.m. at Seventh and Race Streets, downtown. Finish line is at Yeatman's Cove, Sawyer Point. 721-7447.

— Jim Knippenberg

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

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