Going out

Rock musical: Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati opens a production of the smash hit rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, 8 p.m. today, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. $25-$30. 421-3555.

Gershwin celebration: The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra kicks off its Riverbend season with a Gershwin tour de force showcasing guest vocalists Robert Laws, Kevin Cole and Daniel Washington, 8 p.m. today-Saturday, Riverbend Music Center. $18-$40. 381-3300.

Art opening: The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center holds a reception for the opening of its electric new show Voltage, 6-9 p.m. today, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington. (859) 491-2030.

Italianfest: Newport festival offers Italian specialties from area restaurants, rides, games, live music and more, 5:30-11 p.m. today, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday, Riverboat Row between Taylor-Southgate and Newport-Southbank bridges. (859) 292-3666.

On TV

Top pick: Tonight the Stevens family goes on an island vacation and winds up on a reality TV show on the first Even Stevens Movie (8 p.m., Disney Channel).

• Critic John Kiesewetter also says Stargate SG-1: The Lowdown recaps the past six seasons and gives fans a sneak peek of new episodes (8 p.m., Sci Fi) before the two-hour season premiere (9 p.m.) .

Opening today

Critic's pick: Hollywood Homicide (PG-13), Josh Hartnett, Harrison Ford

• Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (PG-13), Eric Christian Olsen, Derek Richardson

• The Man Without A Past (PG-13), Markku Peltola, Kati Outinen

• Rugrats Go Wild (G), voices of Lacey Chabert, Bruce Willis

• Spellbound (G), documentary

Opening Saturday: Pulse: A Stomp Odyssey (not rated), documentary; Kilimanjaro: To The Roof of Africa (not rated), documentary

Planning ahead

24 hours out: Gathering of Four Directions at Fort Ancient State Memorial includes drumming circles, craft making, children's activities and more, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, 6123 Ohio 350, Oregonia. (513) 932-4421.

48 hours out: The Sound Body Jazz Orchestra offers a free evening of swing, Latin, ballads and more, 7 p.m. Sunday, Cardinal Meadow, Sharon Woods. 521-7275.

Jason Nebel

E-mail jnebel@enquirer.com; fax: 768-8330.