Going out

Auto show: The Cincinnati Enquirer/Cincinnati Post Auto Expo shows off all the latest models under one roof for five days at the Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center, 6-9 p.m. today, Fifth and Elm streets, downtown, $2-$8. 281-0022.

Apollo's Cabinet: Cincinnati's premier Baroque ensemble performs a special and solemn Ash Wednesday program. 7 p.m. today in the historic Calvary Episcopal Church, 3766 Clifton Ave., Clifton, donations only. 861-4437.

Wine tasting: Ludlow Wines in Clifton pours reds and whites from South Africa plus shares info on the country's rich growing heritage and its native Pinotage grape. 7 p.m. today, 339 Ludlow Ave., $15 (RSVP requested). 751-3727.

Screen classic: Showcase Cinemas Western Hills offers a bargain screening of the creepy 1946 war classic 13 Rue Madeline. 1 p.m. today, 5870 Harrison Ave., Green Township, $1 includes popcorn and soft drink. 574-7777.

On TV

Top pick: Beam me up, Jimmy! The adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, the 2001 animated film about the boy who rescued all the parents in his hometown from aliens, premieres on cable (8 p.m., Showtime).

•Critic John Kiesewetter also says Lou Rawls, Mary Wilson, Freda Payne and Peaches and Herb perform a new PBS fund-raising concert, Rhythm, Love and Soul (8 p.m., Channel 48), while Wynonna Judd sings In Performance for Kentucky public TV stations (8 p.m., Channel 54).

Planning ahead

48 hours out: Cincinnati Folk Life clears the stage for the contemporary Scottish band Old Blind Dogs. 8 p.m. Friday, 20th Century, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley, $18. 533-4822.

Also 48 hours out: Make your reservation now for the Opera Studio Series double bill at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, that offers back-to-back productions of mini-operas Dreamwalker and Village Singer. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Cohen Family Studio Theater and Dieterle Vocal Arts Center, UC, free. 556-4183.

Jim Knippenberg

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com