The opera is raffling off a Ford Escape hybrid SUV to raise money for its ongoing activities. Hybrids are those technologically nifty vehicles that use electric motors, flywheels and the like to augment traditional gasoline engines; the Escape is said to get 35 miles to the gallon in the city. It also has a six-disc CD changer so you can listen to stunning arias as you gaze at all those gas guzzlers outside your window.

Kentucky Opera will sell only 2,000 tickets for the Escape. If you don't have room in your garage, fret not — you can choose $30,000 in cash instead.

The winner will be drawn May 13 during the seventh-inning stretch of the Louisville Bats game at Slugger Field.

To buy a raffle ticket, call (502) 584-4500 or (800) 690-9236 or visit www.kyopera.org/carraffle05.htm.