Going out

Shadowbox Cabaret: The high energy comedy-music troupe opens its spring show Dirty Little Secrets, full of songs and skits about the secrets people keep and their often hilarious attempts to conceal them. 7 p.m. today, Newport on the Levee, $10-$20. (859) 581-7625.

Jay Strongwater: The way chichi home accessories designer makes a personal appearance at 2700 Erie to introduce his new line of jeweled picture frames, boxes and table top objects. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today, Edwards Road and Erie Avenue, Hyde Park. 533-0042.

James Tocco: The famous University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music pianist hosts an evening of intimate chamber music with oboist Mark Ostoich, horn player Randy Gardner and violinist Kurt Sassmannshaus. 8 p.m. today, Robert J. Werner Recital Hall, UC, free. 556-4183.

On TV

Top pick: On the fourth season premiere of Soul Food, Teri Joseph (Nicole Ari Parker) is one busy lady - advising her boyfriend Damon (Boris Kodjoe)on how to beat a drunk driving charge, and helping Tracy "Bird" Van Adams (Malinda Williams) get a restraining order against a former lover (10 p.m., Showtime).

• Critic John Kiesewetter also says one of the eight American Idol finalists is sent home (8:30 p.m., Channels 19, 45).

The goods

Play ball: You'll need this for the Reds' next home game: A River Rally Rag - just don't try to say it too fast, lest you bite your tongue off. Anyway, the Rag is a bright red hand towel - with a convenient clip for hanging on belt loops - meant to be waved at Reds games. Produced by Great American Sports People (GASP), a loosely organized group of Cincinnati sports lovers, it's $5 and available at the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets downtown before home games or at the Quencher Drive Thru, 6720 Clough Pike, Anderson Township. Go to www.greatamericansportspeople.com for info.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: The venerable Closson's Art Gallery from the downtown store reopens as the Phyllis J. Weston Art Gallery in Hyde Park with a splashy reception and a chance to chat with Phyllis herself. 8-10 p.m. Thursday, 2643 Erie Ave. 762-5510.

48 hours out: Sorg Opera opens a production of the light and comic Gilbert & Sullivan opera Patience. 8 p.m. Friday, Sorg Opera House, 57 S. Main St., Middletown, $12.50-$40. 425-0180.

Jim Knippenberg

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com