Going out

Spring concert: The University of Cincinnati Spring Concert features an all-star lineup of hot bands including Pay the Girl, ekoostik hookah and Nappy Roots. 7 p.m. today, Fifth Third Arena, Shoemaker Center, UC, $15. 562-4949.

Great houses: Photographer Alice Weston and historian Walter Langsam sign and discuss their lush coffee-table book Great Houses of the Queen City, all full of information about dozens of Cincinnati's historic neighborhoods and homes. 7 p.m. today, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.

Cheryl Wheeler: The famous folkie plays a mellow set after opening act Andrew Kerr. 8 p.m. today, 20th Century, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley, $15-$18. 779-9462.

On TV

Top pick: Nothing happens quietly on Will & Grace (9:20 p.m., Channels 5, 22), not even a funeral, as Karen (Megan Mullally) confronts her ex-husband's mistress (Minnie Driver). The 200th episode of ER follows (10 p.m.).

• Critic John Kiesewetter also says celebrate Ohio's birthday with an excellent documentary, Ohio: 200 Years, that includes comments from Cincinnati singer Kathy Wade and Enquirer columnist Laura Pulfer (9 p.m., Channels 48, 14, 16).

The goods

Poolside sipping: Here's an idea whose time has come: A portable bar - with a 6-foot umbrella mind you - that clips onto the side of the pool. Just like the swim-up bars you find all over the tropics. The two-seater pool bar is designed so your lower half stays in water - up to, say, mid-tummy. Seats are 12 inches in diameter, the table is 20 inches, and clamps are adjustable a million different ways to accommodate different pool deck designs. It's $695 from the Frontgate Splash (Web site) catalog. Call (800) 626-6488.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra begins three nights of its Great Orchestral Blockbusters with such thundering big numbers such as Verdi's "Grand March" from Aida, Respighi's Pines of Rome and Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever. 8 p.m. Friday, Music Hall, $17-$47. 381-3300.

Jim Knippenberg

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com