BOOKISH BALLET: Last year fans of Susan Lowell's desert-adapted children's books were treated to the Tucson Symphony Orchestra's musical adaptation of The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit, a "Just for Kids" concert exclusive. Now the Tucson Regional Ballet, with help from the Southwest String Quartet, does the symphony one better with a unique production combining original ballet with the previously mentioned musical adaptation written by Tucsonan (and TSO musician) Elona Vokovic-Gay. Along with the live music and elaborately costumed dancers, elements of narrative, dialogue and "noises" are purported to take their proper place on stage. Talk about making the words leap off the page and come to life! This first-ever ballet of the wee-readers' best-seller crosses the finish line this weekend at the TCC Leo Rich Theater, 260 S. Church Ave. Show time is 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 22, and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23. Tickets are $9 and $11. Call 791-4266 for reservations and information. Lowell's charming retellings of favorite fairy tales aren't the only things keeping the local author busy, however. She and her husband branched into publishing last year with the purchase of Treasure Chest Publications, which focuses primarily on non-fiction books with a Southwestern bent. Meet the author at a signing for her newest book, The Little Red Cowboy Hat, billed as "a new western fairy tale," from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at Mostly Books, 6208 E. Speedway (at Wilmot Road). Call 571-0110 for information. SPRING INTO ACTION: It started back in the 1970s with a chance encounter between then truck driver Paul Barrington and former Mormon missionary Roger Greer, who happened into a discussion on their shared passion for music and disdain for the state of radio. From that humble beginning in a Nogales restaurant, Tucson's original alternative radio station was born--KXCI-FM. More than 20 years later, Tucson's only community radio station remains unrivaled in its commitment to air a wide variety of news, views and musical genres, including rock, blues, jazz, urban, world beat, country, folk, bluegrass, Latin and Native American and gospel artists of all persuasions. Yadda, yadda, enough with the sales pitch and on to the point. The station's annual membership drive continues through March 28, with a goal for "Member Madness" to hit $35,000. Tune in to 91.3-FM throughout the day and see what they have to offer, both musically and by way of material incentives to take your place as a card-carrying member of a truly wonderful local station. Call 623-1000 to pledge your support or get more information. HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD: In a recent issues-packed news conference that subjected Kevin Costner and other producers of The Postman, a feature film being shot near Tucson, to daring, incisive questions from local reporters--Have you had a chance to play any golf? and What do you like about Tucson?-- Costner proved himself adept at facing the press, and giving incisive answers--"Nine rounds at La Paloma" and "Tucson is a fun place!" Meanwhile, a pair of female reporters from an alternative newsweekly were spotted at the back of the room, giggling and making unnecessary comments like "He's not even that cute," "He's old," and, upon walking out behind him: "Look! Kevin Costner's butt!"

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