Going out

"Superstar": It's all retro all the time when Northern Kentucky University dives into its new production of Jesus Christ Superstar, the vintage rock opera depicting Christ's last week on Earth. 8 p.m. today, continues through Feb. 29, Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, $10, $9 NKU faculty/staff, $8 seniors, $6 students. (859) 572-5464.

AIDS memorial: It requires a drive, but it will be worth it when the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra hosts Pulitzer Prize- and Grammy-winning composer John Corigliano for a musical memorial to those who have died of complications from AIDS. The program is his Symphony No. 1, known widely as the AIDS Symphony. The orchestra is billing it as a night of social justice and will show portions of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in conjunction with the concert. 8 p.m. today, repeats Saturday, Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton. $13.50-$55. (937) 228-3630.

Music plus comedy: The perversely hilarious Stephen Lynch, armed with a batch of dark and twisted ballads about the temptations of a Catholic priest, dead girlfriends and gerbils, hits town for a night of comedy and music. The politically incorrect Lynch specializes in soulful melodies and a low-key, sweet vocal style. 8:30 p.m. today, 20th Century, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley, $18.

Sporting Life

Cornhole: OK, some might argue that cornhole isn't exactly Olympic-quality sports, but it's still super popular. Hence this: U.S. Bank Arena has the Inaugural Cornhole Classic on Friday with former Bengal Anthony MuŅoz tossing out the ceremonial first bag. Offering $5,000 in prize money ($2,000 to the winner), the Classic still has a limited number of team slots open. Register by phone (421-4111, Ext. 320) or at www.usbankarena.com; there's a $75-per-team registration fee. 5 p.m. Friday, U.S. Bank Arena, $5 per spectator. 421-4111.

Dickie V, baby: ESPN basketball announcer Dick Vitale hits town to sign and discuss his Dick Vitale's Living a Dream: Reflections on 25 Years Sitting in the Best Seat in the House, a memoir about his life in sports as well as life in general. 5 p.m. Friday, University of Cincinnati Bookstore, 123 E. University, UC's Clifton campus. 556-1900.

Planning Ahead

24 hours out: You'll have to bundle up for this one - the first of 2004's street parties. That would be Friday when the MainStrasse Village Association throws its annual Mardi Gras party complete with music, Cajun food, the Big Head parade and entertainment in most of the village's bars. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Fifth Street, Covington, $10. (859) 655-7932.

48 hours out: Cincinnati Museum Center has its annual Appalachian Culture Fest, a two-day salute to mountain culture. Guests can shop for handmade wares from mountain crafters, listen to bluegrass, catch the cloggers, learn crafts and enjoy the storytelling. Noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. free. 287-7000.

Also 48 hours out: Ripley, Ohio, author Ann Hagedorn signs and discusses Beyond the River: The Untold Story of the Heroes of the Underground Railroad, about the men and women of Ripley who risked everything by working on the front lines of the Underground Railroad. 1 p.m. Saturday, Sharonville Branch Library, 10980 Thornview Drive, free. 369-6049.

Jim Knippenberg

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