Going out

Previews: Playhouse in the Park begins public previews of its ambitious and edgy production of David Auburn's 2001 Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Proof. 7 p.m. today, Robert S. Marx Theatre, Eden Park, $28. 421-3888.

Cathedral concert: The concert series at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption pulls out the stops with a program for brass, tympani, organ and voice featuring Robert and Rita Schaeffer on organ, soprano Lee Ann Kordenbrock and more. 3 p.m. today, 12th and Madison, Covington, free. (859) 491-2030.

Will Hillenbrand: The acclaimed children's book author drags out his pens for a reception and book signing at his colorful exhibit Inside the Picture Book: Starting from Sketch. 2-5 p.m. today, Chidlaw Gallery, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Eden Park. 562-8777.

Jazz series: The Xavier University Jazz Series unleashes trumpeter Bill Mobley with Phil Degreg on piano, Bob Bodley on bass and Ed Mac- Eachen on guitar. 7:30 p.m. today, Gallagher Student Center, Victory Parkway and Dana Avenue, Evanston, $14. 745-3161.

Staying in

TV pick: If you're not interested in the People's Choice Awards (9 p.m., Channels 12, 7), you'll find the best movies on cable: Kiefer Sutherland as a dying man comforted by his sister (Kyra Sedgwick) on Behind the Red Door (8 p.m. Showtime); Kristoffer Polaha as America's Prince: The John F. Kennedy Jr. Story (8 p.m., TBS); and The Perfect Storm (8 p.m., TNT).

Critic John Kiesewetter also says Katie Couric hosts PBS' Freedom: A History of US (7 p.m., Channels 48, 16) with the voices of Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, Martin Sheen and others.

The goods

Mardi Gras: Not getting to Mardi Gras this year? Try this: Mardi Gras Magazine, on the stands now, covers the raucous fest through Fat Tuesday's boozy bash. The 164-page job with a zillion photos is from New Orleans' Visitor Publishing, a group that knows Mardi Gras, you betcha. It's $5 at bookstores or by visiting www.bigeasy.com or calling (866) 596-2709.

Planning ahead<p> 24 hours out: Rising singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, sometimes compared to the likes of John Mayer and Dave Matthews for his pop-folk sound, surfaces at the 20th Century. 8 p.m. Monday, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley, $8-$10. 562-4949.

48 hours out: TV producer turned best-selling author Stephen J. Cannell signs his new Shane Scully thriller Hollywood Tough. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Madison and Edwards roads, Norwood. 396-8960.

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com