Going out

Mayumi Oda: The Japanese-American printmaker is at the Main Public Library to discuss her female-inspired work based on many of the world's religions, 7 p.m. today, Eighth and Vine streets, downtown. Attendees can view her YWCA Art Gallery serigraphy (silk screening) exhibit before or after the lecture across the street at Ninth and Walnut streets. Free and open to public. 369-6900.

New play: The Women's Theater Initiative offers a staged reading of a new work by British playwright April DeAngelis, Ironmistress, a mother-daughter drama set in a 19th-century English ironworks exploring issues of work, industry and social class, 8 p.m. today, Performance Gallery, 3900 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum. $5. 604-8545.

Talking about dance: In anticipation of the Cincinnati Ballet production of choreographer George Balanchine's Jewels, Joseph-Beth Booksellers hosts former New York City Ballet dancer Merril Ashley and writer Nancy Goldner for "Dancing Balanchine/Watching Balanchine," 7 p.m. today, Rookwood Pavilion, Madison and Edwards roads, Norwood. 396-8960.

Audition: The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts holds an audition for its December production of a musical version of A Christmas Carol, 7-10 p.m. today, 4990 Glenway Ave. There are roles for children and adults; prepare musical theater piece and bring sheet music for accompanist (dress for possible dance audition). 241-6550.

The goods

Tracking device: Just in time for Halloween, XACT Communications introduces a clever little wrist radio (reminiscent of "Dick Tracy") called the X2X so parents can keep track of their kids. The gadget-fashion accessory has a range of up to 11/2 miles and comes in orange and black. It's $19.99-$24.99 at most major retailers, including Kmart and Wal-Mart. (866) 466-9228.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: The 20 Days/20 Nights Arts Festival presented by Enjoy the Arts gets started with a multimedia dance-poetry-music event led by actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sigma Sigma Commons, University of Cincinnati. 621-4700.

48 hours out: Grammy-winning banjo and bass virtuosos Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer, team up for a fusion of bluegrass and classical, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Hall Auditorium, Miami University, Oxford. Tickets: $23; $20 seniors; $9 MU students. (513) 529-3200.

Also 48 hours out: The Irish American Cultural Institute welcomes Trinity College professor Patrick Geoghegan for a presentation on Irish patriot Robert Emmet and his role in Ireland's economic success, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Science Lecture Hall, Thomas More College, Crestview Hills. $4-$7. (859) 344-3337.

72 hours until Thursday: Hardcore punk outfit the Distillers playthe 20th Century with the Bronx, 8 p.m., 3021 Madison Road, Oakley. $12. 562-4949.

This weekend: Playhouse in the Park begins previews of the world premiere One by local playwright Joseph McDonough. In a trio of extended monologues, three lives are tied together by an unlikely common thread. Saturday-Oct. 26, Thompson Shelterhouse, Eden Park. Previews (Saturday-Oct. 1) $31.50; Oct. 2-26 $38.50-$46.50. 421-3888.

Coming Sunday: Mount Adams hosts Street A Fair that features more than 30 artists and music from Nicholas Tuttle (noon-

3 p.m.) Michael Barrett and Rich Landrum, and Jenny Huss (2-5 p.m.)

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