Going out

        Lisa Sokolov: What better for an Alteractive cabaret? A glass of wine and an experimental jazz singer in a night full of passionate vocals with bold reaches into Near Eastern, Native American and operatic styles. 7 p.m. today, Playhouse in the Park's Rosenthal Plaza. $8. 421-3888.

        Harry Potter Party: You'll need your cape for this one: Joseph-Beth Kids celebrates release of J. K. Rowling's new Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages with refreshments, games and discounts on Harry Potter merchandise. 5-8 p.m. today, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.

        At Bogart's: Corryville's alternative music showcase cranks up the volume with Slash's Snakepit, brainchild of former Guns 'N Roses guitarist Slash, with an assist from local faves D.C. Project. 8 p.m., 2621 Vine St. $15. 562-4949.

Staying In

        TV picks: Columbo redux: Having a great character isn't exactly the same as having a good mystery. Peter Falk (as the rumpled cop) and Billy Connolly (an egocentric composer) are terrific, but the story needs help. Columbo: Murder with Too Many Notes, 8-10 p.m., Channel 9.

        • Caught: This rerun is the episode that has Marcia Cross (the daft doctor in Melrose Place) as someone accused of sexual harassment. Ally McBeal, 9 p.m., Channel 19.

Sharing Stories

        On Mom: Well sure your mom's a hero. You know it, but does anyone else? Tell the world in the Library's heroic moms contest. Write 300 words or less about your mother and her heroic involvement in your life or someone else's. Send typewritten entry to Public Relations, Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, 800 Vine St., Cincinnati, 45202 by March 21. Five winners will be announced at the Main Library at noon April 6, when Enquirer columnist Laura Pulfer signs her new Mothers & Other Heroes.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler of Over-the-Rhine celebrate release of their new CD, Films for Radio, with a free acoustic set. 5 p.m. Tuesday, Everybody's Records, 6106 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge. 531-4500.

        48 hours out: Best-selling author Nuala O'Faolain, who wrote Are You Somebody? talks about and signs her new novel, My Dream of You, this week. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.

        72 hours 'til Thursday: This is not your grandfather's Godspell. Oh no, it's a bold new take on the Stephen Schwartz classic, setting it in modern-day Over-the-Rhine. Xavier University Players open a four-day stand: 8 p.m., Fifth Third Bank Theater, Aronoff Center. $15. 241-7469.

        Get To It appears daily. Send items to Get To It, Tempo, Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202; fax: 768-8330.

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