Going out

        Note: You might want to check that today's events have not been postponed.

        Paavo Jarvi: The new Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra music director grabs a baton and takes the podium for the opening concert of his first season with the CSO. He celebrates with a night full of Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky and a world premiere work by Charles Coleman. 8 p.m. today,Music Hall, $13-$36. 381-3300.

        Krohn Conservatory: The botanical showcase in Eden Park digs in with a German-inspired Octoberfest show full of fall goodies, including chrysanthemums, asters, ornamental grasses and decorative trees. Continues 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Nov. 11. 352-4080.

        Art opening: The Weston Art Gallery at the Aronoff Center opens its 2001-02 season with eye-popping multimedia exhibits by local artists Janet Speier and Thomas Phelps, plus a new installation by the ever-renowned, ever-surprising video artist Nam June Paik. Opening reception 6-9 p.m. today. 977-4165.

        SharonFest: Sharonville's huge annual festival celebrates the season with a ton of food from area restaurants, rides, karaoke, live music, kids' activities and more, 5-11 p.m. today, 4-11 p.m. Saturday, Depot Square, Creek and Main streets. 563-2895.

Staying in

        TV picks: Two kids (Tahj Mowry, Raquel Lee) end up parenting their parents after their dad's (Tim Curry) time machine turns the adults into children on The Poof Point (7 p.m., Disney).

        • TV Critic John Kiesewetter also says Samuel L. Jackson's Shaft repeats on Showtime (8 p.m.).

Sending help

        The Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau is sending a message of hope to New York and Washington. It's erecting two 14-foot by 9-foot post cards on Fountain Square today and asking everyone in town to sign them. The message says “Our best wishes to the people of New York City” (the other says Washington) and it's signed “Your Friends in Cincinnati.” But the GCCVB is expecting tens of thousands to sign it, too. And probably will, since it's up through Oktoberfest. Sign it 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 621-2142.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Smooth jazz artists Robby Bright and In the Groove mellow out with a 10 p.m. show Saturday, the Greenwich, 2442 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills, $5. 221-1151.

        48 hours out: The Indian Hill Historical Society looks into the time machine with “From Bucket Brigade to Hook & Ladder,” a history of the village's fire department and emergency medical service. Complete with a “Fire House Chili” supper afterward. 4 p.m. Sunday, Little Red Schoolhouse, 8100 Given Road, $15-$20, reservation required. 891-1873.

        A week away: The Cincinnati Horticultural Society bursts into bloom with its Fall Flower Show all full of home and garden displays, food, workshops, entertainment and more. Next Friday-Sept. 23, Coney Island, $8. 872-5194.

        Contact Jim Knippenberg by phone: 768-8513; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: knipenquirer@yahoo.com.

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