Going out

High kickin': The classically trained Groundworks Dance Theater, in conjunction with Contemporary Dance Theater, roars into town for an evening of "making art that matters." The group led by David Shimotakahara is known for its ability to capture the idiosyncrasies of modern life with vitality and wit and some incredible moves. 8:30 p.m. today and Saturday, Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., downtown, $12-$22. 721-3344.

Classic Rock: Here's how big a draw Huey Lewis and the News still is - the band has already sold out the floor seats for its concerts at Belterra. But general admission seats remain for the band that gave us "Heart of Rock 'n' Roll," "Trouble in Paradise" and "Power of Love." 8 p.m. today and Saturday, Belterra Casino, 777 Belterra Drive, Vevay, Ind., $35 general admission. 888-235-8377.

Folksie Jake: Local favorite Jake Speed brings his classic American folk sound - some compare the sound to Woodie Guthrie - to the stage for a night full of traditional music. The band usually includes banjo, guitar, mandolin and bass. 9 p.m. today, Jack Quinn's Irish Alehouse & Pub, 112 E. Fourth St., Covington. (859) 491-6699.

Shopping frenzy

Play hooky: Sneak out of work early and get in some early holiday shopping. There are three offerings today:

• Germania Society opens its annual Christkindlmarkt with tons of craft and German gift items as well as entertainment, food, beer - was there any doubt? - and mulled wine. Opens 5 p.m., continues Saturday and Sunday, Germania Park, 3529 W. Kemper Road, Colerain Township, $1, kids under 14 free. 742-0060.

• Design Consortium Gallery has its annual Holiday Affair with one-of-a-kind goodies from oil painter Maggie Smith, abstract oil painter David Korelitz, glass artist Cynthia Klein, and Patti Rogers and Peggy Greenberg of Strands Handmade Beaded Jewelry. 5 p.m. today, Gallery, 2012 Madison Road, O'Bryonville. 321-1800.

• Same goes for Miller Gallery's Objects of Desire XII, offering miniature paintings, ceramics, figurative sculptures and more. 6 p.m. today, continues Saturday and Sunday, 2715 Erie Ave., Hyde Park. 871-4420.

Pressing issues

Duh, Jess: Jessica Simpson, currently fielding endorsement offers from Procter & Gamble, Nokia and American Eagle, is also the cover story in the Nov. 27 Rolling Stone. Seems the magazine is looking for answers: Is the newlywed really as dumb as a coal bucket? Or is she a savvy person? Nothing too conclusive, other than that she sure knows how to orchestrate a career.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: They're going for laughs in Newport with "One Night Stand: Stand Up Comedy at Its Best - Live with National Touring Comedians." Andrew Wake hosts funnymen Richard Alcorn, Keith McGill and Marques Bunn 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Monmouth Theater, 636 Monmouth St., Newport, $6 advance, $8 day of show. (859) 655-9140.

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