By Jackie Demaline
Enquirer staff writer

Showtime at the Apollo on Tour, a sold-out event for the Cincinnati Arts Association earlier this year, will return next year. Of the five shows announced today for 2004-05, four are returning audience favorites.

The schedule to date:

Oct. 1 - An Evening with Holly Near, featuring Cincinnati women's choir Muse and singer Tracy Walker, 8:30 p.m., Music Hall Ballroom. Near has been performing with a political edge for more than 30 years, with exclamation points on peace and social justice. The singer/activist's concert is being billed as a "Rock the Vote!" evening.

Nov. 13 - Sweet Honey in the Rock, 8 p.m., Music Hall. The Grammy Award-winning African-American a capella ensemble features six women whose sound is deeply rooted in spirituals, hymns and gospel, as well as jazz and blues.

Feb. 18 - The Ten Tenors, 8 p.m., Aronoff Center. Young, sexy and hailing from Australia, the guys sing a repertoire ranging from opera to Abba. They hit the European spotlight in 2002. A lot of venues across the United States are banking that their combination of vocals, comedy and showmanship will catch the American audience's imagination.

March 11 - Kodo, 8 p.m., Aronoff Center. The Japanese drum ensemble last toured to Cincinnati in 1999 to big box office. The name "Kodo" suggests meanings "heartbeat" and "children of the drum." Their instruments range from hand-held drums to the 900-pound Odaiko.

May 20 - Showtime at the Apollo on Tour, 8 p.m., Aronoff Center. More than 600 people lined up in January with hopes of trying out for the talent show. It was a huge hit in Cincinnati this year. Auditions will be about four weeks before the show, details to be announced.

At least two more events will be announced in coming weeks.

This season, the arts association will offer members a "sampler" package of events with some of its resident companies. Details will be announced, but a "sampler" might include groups such as Contemporary Dance Theatre, Ovation and Clear Stage theaters.

For tickets and information, call 621-2787 (ARTS) or visit online at www.CincinnatiArts.org. Ticket offices are at the Aronoff Center (650 Walnut St., downtown) and Music Hall (1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine)