Countdown:

Video preview: On Saturday, local band Croatan will unveil its new music video on the big screen TV at Sudsy Malone's, 2626 Vine St., Corryville, before the band plays at 11 p.m. Also on the night's bill are 16 Piece Bucket, C.D.P., and Based in Theory. Doors open at 8 p.m.; cover is $5. www.croatan.com.

Margaret A. McGurk

Calling all extras: Cincinnati Opera has an open casting call at 7 p.m. April 28 for supernumerary roles (non-singing) for its 2004 Summer Festival season. Bring the whole family - the company needs 90 volunteers (that's a record) to populate Music Hall's stage - including 70 in The Emperor of Atlantis/The Maids, a new double bill production, to represent the "global society."

Other needs are soldiers, party guests, house servants and yes, eight men in tights (for Carmen). The informational session will be in the large rehearsal hall of Music Hall. Space is limited; call Miah Schneider, 744-3220 or e-mail her at mschneider @cincinnatiopera.org to sign up. No experience necessary; there will be about 10 evening rehearsals.

The Summer Festival runs June 17-July 25.

Janelle Gelfand

MultiFest Drops Anchor: The MultiFestival Showcase Series - which travels Ohio setting up multi-night events -- hits Cincinnati on Friday at the Northside Tavern (4163 Hamilton Ave., Northside; 542-3603) with locals Harmony Gullette, Patrick Ewing, Michael John Mollo and the Walker Project (no cover, showtime 9 p.m.). Saturday is billed as Cincinnati SoloDuoFest at Stanley's Pub (323 Stanley, Columbia-Tusculum; 871-6249). Locals Shawna Snyder & Jan Aronoff, Roadblock, 2 Days Away and Worth highlight the lineup ($5, showtime 9 p.m.).

Chris Varias

FYI:

Conductor takes flight: Sarah Ioannides, the first woman appointed to the conducting staff of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, has decided not to return next season as assistant conductor, orchestra management says. She plans to return to her home in England and pursue freelance conducting in Europe and the United States.

Says music director Paavo Jarvi: "Sarah has been a great assistant to me these past two years."

Janelle Gelfand

Movies Opening Friday

The Alamo

Ella Enchanted

The Girl Next Door

James' Journey to Jerusalem

Monsieur Ibrahim

The United States of Leland

The Whole Ten Yards

Coming Friday in Weekend

Beasts and blooms: The Cincinati Zoo comes alive in Friday's Weekend with the Zoo Blooms festival, featuring one of the largest tulip displays in the Tri-state area.