Going out

Derek Trucks: The 23-year-old slide guitar master and his band strut their stuff with neo-bluegrass opening act Tony Furtado and the American Gypsies. 9 p.m. today, Southgate House, 24 E. Third St., Newport, $15-$18. 779-9462.

Duncanson reception: The Taft Museum of Art introduces the 2002 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, jazz pianist William Menefield, with a short concert. Reception is 5:30 p.m. today at the Frank White Gallery and Frame Shope, 514 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. Concert is at the nearby Wyoming Fine Arts Center, free. 241-0343.

Photo book: Renowned photographer Thomas R. Schiff, known for his sweeping 360-degree shots, introduces his new Panoramic Ohio, complete with 75 wide scenes from around the state. 7 p.m. today, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.

Poetry: The Reading on Main poetry series opens its mike to budding poets, plus a guest artist, Columbian poet Armando Romero. 8 p.m. today, Main City Bar, Liberty and Main streets, Over-the-Rhine. 241-6111.

Staying in

Critic's pick: Country music steps out for the Country Music Awards with a lineup that includes Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Martina McBride, Vince Gill and Shania Twain. The 36th Annual CMA Awards, 8-11 p.m., Channel 12.

Dennis isn't serious when he asks Ed to be his best man. Ed accepts and plans a bachelor party to embarrass him. Meanwhile, Kelly Ripa returns as Ed's ex-lover in need of legal help. Ed 8 p.m., Channel 5.

CD picks

Critic's pick: Local favorite July For Kings releases its bargain-priced major-label debut, Swim (MCA; $12.98).

The Dave Matthews Band has a double live album, Live at Folsom Field Boulder (RCA; $21.98).

Boy band fans will be watching for Justin Timberlake's Justified (Jive; $18.98).

Try Willie Nelson's Stars & Guitars (Lost Highway; $18.98) with a guest list including Keith Richards, Ryan Adams, Sheryl Crow, Hank III, Nora Jones and Lee Ann Womack.

O Brother stars Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas deliver a double-CD set, Live (Rounder; $19.98).

Planning ahead

24 hours out: O.J. Simpson defense lawyer Johnnie Cochran hits town to introduce his new Lawyer's Life. 7 p.m. Thursday, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.

48 hours out: The hot Christian act Relient K plays 8 p.m. Friday at the Underground, 7350 Dixie Highway, Fairfield. $12-$15. 910-2446.

72 hours 'til Saturday: BarrelHouse Brewing Company dishes up gallons of beer at its MicroBrewery Festival offering 60 specialty brews and music from the Katie Laur Band. 1 p.m.-midnight, 22 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, $25. 421-2337.

Jim Knippenberg

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com