Going out

The Mavericks: The rock-country favorites, on a brief reunion tour even as we speak, stop at Southgate House for a nightful of music. 8 p.m. today, 24 E. Third St., Newport, $22.50-$25. 779-9462.

Super Sampling: Jungle Jim's International Market presents a "Cinco de Mayo" sampling extravaganza with more than 50 free sampling booths of Latino food and beverage. 2-8 p.m. today-Friday, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield. 674-6000.

Theater: The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Musical Theater Department's Studio Series features the off-Broadway smash hit Songs for a New World, a kaleidoscopic collection of songs by master lyricist Jason Robert Brown. 8 p.m. today-Friday, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Cohen Family Studio Theater, UC, free (standby seating begins 30 minutes before curtain). 556-4183.

Conservation lecture: World-renowned field veterinarian Dr. William Karesh speaks as part of the Barrows Conservation Lecture Series. 7:30 p.m. today, Schiff Family Conference Center, Xavier University, $8-$12. 745-3411.

On TV

Top pick: Time again to zigzag through the "Must See TV" lineup, catching Monica and Chandler (Courteney Cox Arquette, Matthew Perry) at a Friends fertility clinic (8 p.m., Channels 5, 22); flipping to CBS for CSI: Crime Scene Investigators solving the death of a horse trainer on her private jet (9 p.m., Channels 12, 7); then going back to NBC to see Abby's brother disrupt the funeral for Carter's grandmother on ER (10 p.m., Channels 5, 22).

• Critic John Kiesewetter also says a Survivor: Amazon contestant vows to make everyone miserable before the 11th person is voted out of the game (8 p.m., Channels 12, 7).

The goods

Starry Peeps: Didn't it just have to happen, what with all the emphasis on the red, white and blue? Peeps going patriotic, we mean. Now that they're a year 'round product - remember back during the stone age when you could only buy them at Easter? - manufacturer Just Born has been going seasonal with Halloween Peeps, Christmas Peeps, Valentine's Day Peeps, that sort of thing. And now, Fourth of July Peeps. Introduced on a limited basis last year, they're white with red and blue flecks. Those who can't bear to eat a baby chick can go for the Peeps Stars in the same color scheme. They'll be available all summer. Check them out at www.marshmallowpeeps.com.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: The Sunset Players open Ken Ludwig's comedy classic Lend Me a Tenor. 8 p.m. Friday, Dunham Recreation Center, 1945 Dunham Way, West Price Hill, $6-$7. 588-4988.

48 hours out: Jazz great Mike Wade is at Jazz in the Park Lounge with his Reality Band, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Saturday, Winton and Kemper roads, Forest Park, $10 cover. 648-9698.

72 hours till Sunday: The Madeira Art Fair shows off more than 100 fine art and craft booths along Miami Avenue, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., downtown Madeira. 831-4452.

Jim Knippenberg

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com