Going out

        "Music Man': The national touring production of this Broadway revival hauls out its 76 trombones for a two-week run at the Aronoff Center. 8 p.m. today,Procter & Gamble Hall, $35-$58. 241-7469.

        Opera: Cincinnati Operaroars into its summer festival season with the classic and ever-so-tragic Romeo and Juliet with Russian soprano Dina Kuznetsovaand Mexican tenor Fernando de la Mora getting weepy in the title roles. It's a two-hankie job. 8 p.m. today, Music Hall, $14-$110. 241-2742.

        Pavilion dance: The Italianate pavilion at Ault Park rocks and rolls with an outdoor dance, complete with music by Soul Pocket.6-10 p.m. today, end of Observatory Avenue, Mount Lookout, free. 956-9876.

        Wine dinner: Parkers Blue Ash Grill dishes up a five-course wine dinner full of summer BBQ foods married up with California Zinfandels. 7 p.m. today, 4200 Cooper Road, Blue Ash, $30 (reservation required). 891-8300.

Staying in

        TV picks: Looks to be a sampling of the summer concert scene here with an emphasis on people with distinctive voices: Ashanti, Michelle Branch, Nelly, Alanis Morissette, Craig David, Ja Rule, The Calling and more. Teen Choice Presents: Summer Music Mania, 8 p.m, Channel 19.

        • This ever-so-gripping rerun focuses on personal problems — Kerry can't connect with a beautiful paramedic and Carter has trouble communicating with his mother. ER, 10 p.m., Channel 5.

Web site of the day

        Money talk: A clever and simple asset-allocation calculator on this page will give you an idea of the investment strategy you should use, based pretty much on your own financial paranoia level. It also suggests mutual funds that fit your personal panic level. Go to http://money.cnn.com/retirement, and start planning.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Closson's has an opening reception for the Contemporary Impressions exhibit with paintings by Paul Chidlaw, Merle Rosen and Michael Sharp. 5-8 p.m. Friday, 401 Race St., downtown. 762-5510.

        48 hours out: Glier's Goettafest is back for another sizzling session celebrating all forms of this regional, uh, meat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, MainStrasse Village, Sixth and Main Streets, Covington. (859) 491-0458.

        72 hours 'til Sunday: Legendary jazz guitarist George Benson hits town for a strum or two at Riverbend along with vocalist Dianne Reeves, 8 p.m., $37.50-$45. 562-4949.

— Jim Knippenberg

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

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