LAST MINUTE

Dance Performance: Summer Dance will make its debut this weekend with Contemporary Dance Theatre presenting new works by regional choreographers at the Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art.

There will be a tap routine from Gloria Esenwein; native Cincinnatian Missy Lay Zimmer returns home with Broadway credits and choreography partner Andrew Hubbard; Mokshayoho, a hit from the Cincinnati Fringe Festival, returns with creators Colleen McCarty and Rebecca Parker;

Jacqueline Garcia and the dance theater's improv class led by Susan Moser complete the program. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets $10, $8 students and seniors. Call 345-8405 for reservations and information.

— Jackie Demaline

Saddle Up: The Ponys derive a healthy portion of their sonic inspiration from the garage era, but don't groan yet - this isn't another straight-outta-Detroit clone. For one thing, the band's from Chicago. For another, they swirl together guitars, primal punk yelps and pop chords into a sound that's truly their own. The group performs with the Cathedrals at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Comet, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside. (free; 21 and older). For more info, call 541-8900 or go to www.cometbar.com.

— C.E. Hanifin

COUNTDOWN

Overture Awards: Cincinnati Arts Association will present a special Overture Awards introductory workshop at 6:30 p.m. July 29 at the Arts Consortium of Cincinnati, 1515 Linn St. The program is designed to encourage minority high school students to participate in the high school arts scholarship competition, sponsored by the association.

Each year the Overtures provide $24,000 in scholarships in six disciplines: creative writing, dance, instrumental music, theater, visual art and vocal music.

The workshop will also offer information about pursuing a college education in the arts and local performers, writers and artists will share their real-world experience. Students will also have the opportunity to present to professionals who will evaluate and critique their work.

For more information, contact Van Ackerman, Cincinnati Arts Association, at 977-4108.

— Jackie Demaline

Political Films: A political entertainment bash at the Southgate House in Newport on Aug. 20 is seeking short films. The rally and concert dubbed "Imperial Circus" is aimed at opponents of the Bush administration. To submit films, contact Jim Sfarnas, 542-9527.

— Margaret A. McGurk

MOVIES OPENING FRIDAY

The Bourne Supremacy

Catwoman

The Story of the

Weeping Camel

COMING FRIDAY IN WEEKEND

Halle Berry is back on the big screen Friday with her starring role in the superhero caper Catwoman. Check out Weekend for a review of the movie and a look at catwomen of the past.