Last minute

X2: It's a blues-rocking jam at Jack Quinn's tonight with X2, a duo featuring Gov't Mule drummer Matt Abts and former Allman Brothers singer/keyboardist Johnny Neel. The group will feature a third member, reportedly a former Black Crowe. 9 p.m. 112 E. Fourth St., Covington. $10 at the door.

Larry Nager

Countdown

Jazz: It's a Super-jazz Sunday, with the second Acoustic Chamber Jazz Series at the First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Avondale. Headlining the 3 p.m. concert is bassist Paul Keller, a former member of Diana Krall's group. $12, $6 for students. Information: 729-4183, 761-2444 and Web site.

Larry Nager

Paavo on `Fidelio': Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra maestro Paavo Jarvi says the opera Fidelio is a rare glimpses into Beethoven's mind.

"We have so little music from Beethoven where there are words that actually relate to us, with a drama. Often, there's a certain gesture that he makes musically ... and we are looking for a meaning. ... Is it a sentimental gesture? Is it ... full of anger or sorrow? "All of sudden, exactly the same gesture comes in Fidelio, where he has words to it, and the character clearly expresses his feelings."

Mr. Jarvi will conduct the CSO in Fidelio 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Music Hall. $12.50-$52.50. 381-3300 or cincinnatisymphony.org.

Janelle Gelfand

On sale Saturday

Everyone Orchestra: It's the Phish After Jam, featuring members of Ekoostik Hookah, Shanty, Leftover Salmon, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe and more. Feb. 21 and 22, Taft Theatre. $18; $20 day of show at Ticketmaster, (513) 562-4949 and Web site.

Erykah Badu: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16. Bogart's. $28.50 at Ticketmaster.

FYI

No Carnegie: For the first time in more than 15 years, the CSO will not be making its annual trek to Carnegie Hall in 2004. The CSO couldn't fit the trip into a season that includes a Japan tour in November, says Rosemary Weathers, public relations director.

Kunzel campaign: Cincinnatian Andrew B. Matthey has nominated Cincinnati Pops conductor Erich Kunzel for the 2003 Kennedy Center Honors and needs your help. Send your letters to: James A. Johnson, chairman, Kennedy Center Honors, c/o the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20566.

Janelle Gelfand

Movies opening Friday

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind

Darkness Falls

The Way Home

Coming Friday in Weekend

Q&A: Maestro Keith Lockhart talks about fame, music and life in Boston.