Going out

Alexander String Quartet: The Cincinnati Chamber Music Society hosts the internationally renowned chamber group for a program of Haydn, Bartok and Shostakovich. 8 p.m. today, Corbett Auditorium, University of Cincinnati, $20, $7 students. 556-4183.

Judith McNaught: The best-selling suspense author signs her new Someone to Watch Over Me. 7 p.m. today, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Madison and Edwards roads, Norwood. 396-8960.

On TV

Top pick: Simon says: Time to face the music! Wild card semi-finalists sing on American Idol (8 p.m., Channels 19, 45) for the final two spots in the 10-person field which begins competition next week.

• Critic John Kiesewetter also says Nathan Granner and Mauricio O'Reilly, two of The American Tenors, will sing in the WCET-TV studio during pledge breaks (8 p.m., repeating at 9:30 p.m., Channel 48).

New on CD

Critic's pick: Cincinnati's Pay the Girl takes a shot at the big time with release of Pay The Girl (TVT; $12.98).

• Rap queen Lil' Kim has La Bella Mafia (Elektra; $18.98), with help from Method Man, Missy Elliott and Timberland.

• Rapper Fabolous is back with Street Dreams (Elektra; $18.98) featuring P Diddy and Jagged Edge.

• Prog-rockers King Crimson delivers The Power to Believe (Sanctuary/BMG; $18.98).

• In the new-rock bin, it's The Datsuns (BMG/V2; $13.98) including a bonus DVD, and the Ataris' So Long Astoria (Sony; $12.98).

New on Video/DVD

Critic's pick: Enquirer film critic Margaret A. McGurk suggests the horror hit The Ring for movie fans who appreciate the irony of watching a video about a video that kills people.

• Cinemaphiles can leap on the DVD debut of Krzysztof Kieslowski's masterful Three Colors Trilogy (Blue / White / Red) with Juliette Binoche.

• Overlooked indie of the week is the Irish-gangster flick Monument Ave., with former Afghan Whig Greg Dulli in a supporting role.

TV DVDs

Critic's pick: America's first family of dysfunction comes to DVD with today's release of The Osbournes: The First Season. All 10 episodes are available in censored and uncensored versions. $29.99.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: The Silver Screen Classics Program at Showcase Cinemas Western Hills has a screening of the 1946 war film 13 Rue Madeline. 1 p.m. Wednesday, 5870 Harrison Ave., Green Township. $1 includes popcorn and drink. 574-7777.

48 hours out: Alternative rock favorite Ben Kweller is at the 20th Century with opening act Centromatic, 8 p.m. Thursday, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley. $12. 562-4949.

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com