Countdown

        Story ballet: With the Celtic band Silver Arm playing onstage, Claudia Rudolf Barrett's ballet tech ohio dance group will perform “Nuada,” a magical, mythical story ballet about love and war. Her young students will then switch gears for Alexei Kremnev's “Dances on the Rocks,” a dreamlike modern-day tale. Guest artists: Andrey Kasatsky and Michael Wardlaw, Cincinnati Ballet, and Luke Jaffe, Louisville Ballet. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aronoff Center Jarson-Kaplan Theater; $18; 241-7469.

— Carol Norris

        SOFA anniversary: Southern Ohio Filmmakers Association marks its second anniversary Oct. 15 at the group's monthly mixer, 8 p.m. at the 20th Century, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley.

        Aspiring and active film and video makers are invited to bring 3-to-5-minute VHS clips of recently finished or in-progress works, as well as posters, press kits and promotional items. Actors are encouraged to come in the costume from recent roles, and bring head shots and resumes.

        Bring snacks or finger food to share; cash bar, free admission. Contact jerrystonecinci.rr.com.

— Margaret A. McGurk

        Ballroom dance: Italian ballroom sensations Erminio Stefano and Luana Conte moved to the United States in 2000 and settled in Dayton. The couple (offstage and on) continue to compete and win dance awards. They'll demonstrate why at the local U.S. Amateur Ballroom's anniversary ball. Also performing are world junior champs, 15-year old Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Diana Olonetskaia. 8 p.m.-12 midnight; Oct. 19; ball and performance; Music Hall Ballroom; $20; 961-0136. Tickets must be purchased by Sunday.

— Carol Norris

FYI

        New post: Cincinnati pianist Michael Chertock has been named conductor of the Blue Ash Symphony. Mr. Chertock is well-known as keyboardist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with the Cincinnati and Boston Pops orchestras. He'll take the podium for the first time on Dec. 1, at Montgomery Assembly of God Church. Concert information: 232-0949.

— Janelle Gelfand

        Taft booking: Enrique Iglesias has been booked into the Taft Theatre for an 8 p.m. Oct. 30 show. Tickets are $47.50 and $55 and go on sale at the Taft Theatre box office, Ticketmaster outlets, by phone (562-4949) and online at www.ticketmaster.com at 10 a.m. Saturday.

— Ann Hicks

        On Broadway: Andrew Lloyd Webber will be back on Broadway in spring 2004 — as a producer.

        The composer of Cats, The Phantom of the Opera and Evita says he will present Bombay Dreams, the hit London musical, in Manhattan after an extensive casting search.

— The Associated Press

Movies opening Friday

        Igby Goes Down
       Jonah: A VeggieTale
       Moonlight Mile
       Red Dragon
       Yanna's Friends

Coming Friday in Weekend

        Dining: We sent eight teams to restaurants in downtown's Backstage area to see if they could eat leisurely and still make an 8 p.m. curtain.

Architect builds on contemporary life
CAC's opening 'experience' unfolds
Christopher Lowell takes decorating to heart
For a healthy heart, get an early start
'Les Miz' production a sure crowd-pleaser
Middfest goes global to mark 20th
Stone Sour show loud and heavy
The Early Word
Top 10s
Get to it