Going out

        Dog book: Dennis Friedsigns and discusses Memoirs of a Papillon: The Canine Guide to Living with Humans without Going Mad, a fun new book told through the eyes of his dog, Genevieve, who will also be here. 7 p.m. today, Barnes & Noble, Newport on the Levee. (859) 581-2000.

        Classical: The WGUC Fountain Square Concert Series hauls out the Celebration Brass Quintet performing old and new favorites of the ever thundering brass repertoire. Noon-1 p.m. today, free. 241-8282.

        New exhibit: Art Academy of Cincinnati's Chidlaw Gallery shows off a retrospective exhibit by the long-time arts supporter and painter Kay Muir. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, through July 3, Eden Park campus. 562-8777.

        Phish tribute: The Colorado tribute band Phix is at the BarrelHouse Brewing Co. 9 p.m. today,22 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, $5. 421-2337.

Staying in

        TV picks: In tonight's rerun, Jim learns a valuable — and painful — lesson: It's nice if your wife gives you a revealing photo of herself; it's not nice if you flash it to the guys. Ouch. According to Jim, 8:30 p.m., Channel 9.

        • So last night, viewers saw the first batch of 10 singers and got to vote for their favorites. Tonight, they learn which two will advance to the next round and do it all again. American Idol: The Search for a Superstar, 9:30 p.m., Channel 19.

The Goods

        CD picks

        • Rap-rockers Papa Roach pack a lot into Lovehatetragedy (DreamWorks; $18.98 CD, $12.98 cassette) with a limited edition featuring extra tracks.

        • Former Fugee Wyclef Jean is back with Masquerade (Sony; $18.98 CD, $12.98 casette). A special rebate will drop the cost under $10 in most stores.

        • Like the marathon concert package, the 2002 Warped Tour compilation offers low-budget music lovers good values, with a bunch of bands on two discs for less than most single discs (USA Side 1 Dummy; $6.98 CDs only).

        • Dayton indie-pop heroes Guided By Voices reveal Universal Truths and Cycles (Matador; $16.98 CD only).

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Parker's Blue Ash Grill dishes up a five course wine dinner full of summer BBQ pairings with California zinfandels. 7 p.m. Thursday, 4200 Cooper Road, $30 (reservation required). 891-8300.

        48 hours out: Vintage rock rules when longtime faves Bad Company and Foreigner hit town on a double bill. 7 p.m. Friday, Riverbend Music Center, $20.25-$40.25. 562-4949.

        72 hours 'til Saturday: The Contemporary Arts Center opens its new eco-art exhibit, Ecovention, plus new paintings by the renowned Los Angeles artist Sharon Ellis. 115 E. Fifth St., downtown, $2-$3.50. 721-0390.

— Jim Knippenberg

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

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