Going out

        Ribs fest: The ConAgra Foods Rib America Festival features finger-licking ribs recipes from around the country, all set to the tune of cutting edge national music acts. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. today, Fifth and Race streets, downtown, continues through Sunday. 621-2142. (See story on this page)

        Blues: The venerable old school blues artist Smokin' Joe Kubeck roars into Lucille's with B'Noisking after a cookout starting at 7 p.m. today, 2715 Winston Ave., Latonia, $20 includes meal. (859) 431-8086.

        Theater: The Showbiz Players get musical and historical when they open Frank Wildhorn'stheatrical concert deal The Civil War. 7:30 p.m. today, Salerno Center for Performing Arts, Mount Notre Dame High School, 711 E. Columbia Ave., Reading, $10-$12. 981-7888.

        Fund-raiser: The Cincinnati Art Museum hosts its annual Taste of Duveneck, complete with gourmet food and wine from 18 establishments and a silent auction with opera tickets, sports memorabilia and more. 6:30-9 p.m. today, CAM, Eden Park, $75 at door. 639-2966.

Staying in

        TV picks: Here is a delicious rerun of the episode where Joey first realized he might be in love with Rachel. Things start with good intentions — she's feeling down so he takes her on a cheer-up date — then go south. Friends, 8 p.m., Channel 5.

        • While out hunting for a new apartment, Will and Grace visit one that turns out to be the home of Sandra Bernhard. Will & Grace, 9 p.m., Channel 5.

Early Peek

        Flick tip: Warner Bros. will offer up a taste of Harry — as in Harry Potter don't you know — with showings of Scooby Doo when it opens Friday — the first trailer for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets that's due to hit screens in November.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Smokey Robinson brings a whole lotta soul to town when he plays Belterra Casino and Resort Showroom at 8 p.m. Friday, $30-$35. (888) 235-8377.

        48 hours out: WCET Channel 48 follows up the annual Action Auction with its first ever “Great Auction Sale” — a batch of goodies that didn't make it to TV — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, 1223 Central Parkway (across from Music Hall). 381-4033.

        72 hours 'til Sunday: Rising star Keri-Lynn Wilson grabs the baton and makes her Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conducting debut at Sundaes at the Symphony at Riverbend. 7:30 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, $17-$33. 381-3300.

— Jim Knippenberg

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

Race fans camp it up
About the race
Rib America rocks with blues, barbecue
KNIPPENBERG: Knip's Eye View
'Bach & Beyond' superb
Rock survivors haul out the hits at Riverbend
Get to it