Classical music is not generally a hotbed of mystery and murder, but author Gerald Elias begs to differ in two mystery novels featuring the fictional blind concertmaster Daniel Jacobus. Mr. Elias is a violinist himself, associate concertmaster of the Utah Symphony, and he will talk about his latest Jacobus book, "Danse Macabre," and perform at 7 p.m. at Mystery Lovers Bookshop. 514 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont. Free, 412-828-4877.

White Tie Group may sound like a dressy crew, but the members of this energetic jazz ensemble actually dress up more for their "other" jobs -- as black-tie wearing members of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Harold Smoliar (English horn in the PSO) is the pianist, Don Evans (double bass) is the bassist; and Andy Reamer (percussion) is on drums. They've been playing together for years at places such as The Rhythm House Cafe in Bridgeville, and will bring their tight chops to the Frick Art & Historical Center, 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze, at 7 p.m. $5 donation; 412-371-0600 or TheFrickPittsburgh.org.

"Mandalas & Deities," paintings by Harish Saluja, opens from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mendelson Gallery, 5874 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside. An abstract expressionist painter for four decades, his latest works incorporate figurative and semi-abstract imagery in the creation of contemplation-inducing mandalas and Hindu deities. Mr. Saluja was director, producer and actor in the award-winning 1997 film "The Journey"; is co-host of WDUQ's long-running program "Music From India"; and since 2005 has headed "Silk Screen," a nonprofit Asian arts and culture organization. The exhibition continues through Oct, 2. Free; 412-361-8664.

The Hopital Albert Schweitzer has been working to improve conditions in Haiti since 1956 and is one of the few hospitals to remain operational following the recent devastating earthquake there. Oboist Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida and some of her colleagues from Carnegie Mellon University's School of Music will help support its crucial mission with a benefit recital at 7:30 p.m. in Kresge Recital Hall on campus. Among the musical offerings are Schumann's Romances, and tenor Douglas Ahlstedt and horn player William Caballero will join Ms. DeAlmeida for Ralph Vaughn Williams' "Ten Blake Songs." Visit http://music.cmu.edu for more info; cash donations will be taken at the door.

The Boulevard Gallery, 736 Allegheny River Blvd., Verona, will celebrate its grand opening from 1 to 9 p.m. with a free public reception for artist Henry Fiore. He is a self-taught artist who specializes in watercolor seascapes and landscapes. Mr. Fiore is a member of the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society, the Pittsburgh Society of Artists, and is founder of the Penn Hills Arts Council and Eastern Artists Association. 412-721-0943.

Critics Andrew Druckenbrod and Scott Mervis talk about music on "The Beat," available exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.