Going out

Play reading: The Theater of the Mind Series continues with a reading of Thomas M. Atkinson's new work Cuttings, a one-woman show about a childhood accident and its resonance in a woman's life, 7 p.m. today, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. $5. 421-3555.

Massage workshop: The Milford-Miami Township Branch Library welcomes massage therapist Inas Mrabet for an introductory lesson on massage therapy and some stress relieving techniques which can be done at home, 7 p.m. today, 1099 Ohio 131. 248-0700.

Encore Linton: World-renowned violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg brings her Linton Chamber Music Series concert to the suburbs, 7:30 p.m. today, Congregation Ohav Shalom, 8100 Cornell Road, Sycamore Township. $10-$30. 381-6868.

Canadian folkie: The esteemed Irish-Canadian singer-songwriter Aengus Finnan surfaces at Sitwell's Coffehouse for an intimate acoustic concert, 8 p.m. today, 324 Ludlow Ave., Clifton. $5 suggested donation. 281-7487.

Staying in

TV pick: Stu Pickles builds a high-tech "Christmasland" for baby Dil's first Christmas in the premiere of the Rugrats' "Babies in Toyland" (8 p.m., Nickelodeon). The holiday theme continues with Nick at Nite Christmas episodes of The Cosby Show, Cheers, All in the Family, Three's Company and Coach (9 p.m.-midnight).

Critic John Kiesewetter will be watching the brilliant comedy of Ernie Kovacs on a repeat of The Ernie Kovacs Show (8:30 p.m., Trio Channel).

Planning ahead

24 hours out: Interior design superstar Vicente Wolf signs and discusses his new book Learning to See: Bringing the World Around You Into Your Home, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Books & Co., 350 E. Stroop Road, Kettering. (800) 777-4881.

48 hours out: The world-renowned Boys Choir of Harlem bring their holiday program of classical favorites, gospel selections and pop standards to the Aronoff Center, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Procter & Gamble Hall. $16-$28. 241-7469.

72 hours 'til Thursday: The Cincinnati Museum Center Seminar on the City lecture series brings University of Kentucky professor Steven Weisenburger to town for his presentation "Cincinnati Abolitionism: The Turbulent 1850s," 7:30 p.m., Reakirt Auditorium. Free. 287-7080.

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com