Going out

Nora Roberts: The author of such megasellers as The Villa, Carolina Moon and River's End is here to introduce her new thriller-romance, Birthright, 6:30 p.m. today, Barnes & Noble Kenwood, Sycamore Plaza, Montgomery and Kenwood roads. 794-9440.

Cantus: Poised on the brink of the big time, the vocal group provides a young and exuberant take on sacred, classical, African-American spiritual and world folk songs. 7:30 p.m. today, Hall Auditorium, Miami University, Oxford, $5-$10. (513) 529-3200.

Conservation series: The Barrows Conservation Lecture Series trots out world-famous field scientist Dr. Michael Fay for a multimedia presentation on his 1,200 mile walk through the vast Central African forest documenting biodiversity. 7:30 p.m. today, Cintas Center, Xavier University, $8-$12. 745-3411, Ext. 7.

Sax man: Renowned saxophonist Jeremy Long delivers classical and jazz favorites with pianists Christina Haan and Michael Darrah. 8 p.m. today, Greaves Concert Hall, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, free. (859) 572-6984.

On TV

Top pick: The show must go on: Before Star Search (8 p.m., Channels 12, 7) introduces the next round of contestants, host Arsenio Hall (right) brings back the adult singers and comedian whose performances were pre-empted by CBS News war coverage March 19.

• Critic John Kiesewetter also says the Food Network premieres its new dating show, Date Plate (9:30 p.m.), in which two singles get $50 and help from a chef to plan a meal for a blind date.

The goods

Orchestral arrangement: And this for people shopping for Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra stuff: The Web site (www.cincinnatisymphony.org) is building up to a full line of merchandise. As well as tickets (it's a secure site) online, browsers can now buy tons of CSO and Pops CDs - they've made a zillion. In coming weeks and months, the CSO will add clothing galore, gift items and dozens of other things with the CSO logo.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Drama Senior Showcase shows off vignettes that senior students will perform at their New York casting agent auditions. 2 and 6 p.m. Thursday, Cohen Family Studio Theater, UC, free. 556-4183.

48 hours out: The Annie Bolling Gallery has opens its new Strength in Motion show full of colorful mixed-media works by Key West artist Debra Yates. 5-9 p.m. Friday, 3235 Madison Road, Oakley. 871-2100.

72 hours till Saturday: The Cincinnati Caledonian Pipes and Drums present its annual Tartan Day Ceilidh celebrating all things Scottish. 6 p.m., Old St. George, 42 Calhoun St., Corryville, $6-$15. 271-7964.

Jim Knippenberg

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com