Thursday, October 25, 2007

Randy's Guide LVII

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Thursday, October 18, 2007

Randy's Guide LVI

Today is Zac Efron's 20th and Jesse Helms' 86th; Tuesday is Hungarian National Day and Mole Day. Welcome to all new readers. Next week, you will likely receive this from a new e-mail address - do not be alarmed! Please forward on to friends, family, and colleagues... and update me about any e-mail changes.


Local News Story of the Week:
Gap Inc. has begun the process of introducing a one megawatt system at its Fresno distribution center. It will be financed, owned, and operated by a separate company, who will sell back the power to Gap Inc. at a predictable rate. http://www.gapinc.com/public/Media/Press_Releases/med_pr_solar101607.shtml


~ Event Alert ~
Lights Out San Francisco is this Saturday from 8 to 9 p.m. Turn off all unnecessary lights to cut energy, help slow global warming, and send a message of solidarity. Gap Inc. headquarters, the Golden Gate Bridge, City Hall, and other city buildings will participate in the event. http://www.lightsoutsf.org/


Change for Change
Congratulations - $50 goes to Bay Area Community Services!

Charity to consider: Blue Energy. The San Francisco-based nonprofit, which started as a graduate project at MIT, provides low-cost wind and solar electric systems in Nicaragua and eventually will spread its model worldwide.

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, and Bay Area Community Services.

Donate through the non-profit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Weekend Weather:
Friday rain, clearing Saturday, and much warmer on Sunday
High 61-70, Low 52: SF (beaches), Carmel
High 64-74, Low 51: SF (downtown), Berkeley
High 66-80, Low 44-50: Concord, Danville, Oakland, San Jose, Windsor

High 55-65, Low 45: St. Paul, MN (Friday rain, then drier)
High 80, Low 60: Mobile, AL (Friday thunderstorms, then drier)
High 68, Low 54: Santa Barbara, CA (clear)
High 35-60, Low 15-30: Vail, CO (chance of weekend snow)
High 75, Low 50: Washington, DC (Friday thunderstorms, then clear)


Environmental Tip of the Week:
To prepare for Halloween, purchase fair-trade candy with organic sugar for trick-or-treaters. Sugar and cocoa production are often very destructive to local ecosystems and harmful for the laborers. Visit http://www.divinechocolateusa.com/ to search for local retailers.

Previous:
In light of two recent major beef recalls -- Topps and American Chef's -- consumers should again refocus efforts on selecting the healthier alternatives. Labels such as USDA organic, grass-fed, and certified humane raised and handled are better indicators than free-range, hormone-free, and natural. Some of the meat producers to look for are Niman Ranch, Coleman, and John Morrell.


Video of the Week:
"Lazy Eye" by Silversun Pickups (Los Angeles)

Entertaining headliners, with Midnight Movies opening, are at the Fillmore in SF on Friday night, the Wiltern in LA on Saturday night, then off to Canada and Europe touring with Kaiser Chiefs for the next month.

Previous:
"Pain" by Jimmy Eat World (Mesa, Arizona)

U.S. tour swings through Southern California this week, then the East Coast in early November.


New Films: {#1 Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married (PG-13), $21.4MM, 2011 screens; #2 The Game Plan (PG), $11.0MM, 3128 screens; #3 We Own the Night (R), $10.8MM, 2362 screens, #15 Darjeeling Limited (R), $1.1MM, 95 screens}
- Comebacks (PG-13): Spoof comedy; about an out-of-luck coach and his team of misfits

- Finishing the Game (NR): Comedy; about the recasting of Bruce Lee in a movie following his death; co-starring James Franco; with special appearance by director Justin Lin, lead actor Dustin Nguyen, and other cast members on Friday and Saturday night performances

- Gone Baby Gone (R): Drama; about two private detectives who track the disappearance of a girl; co-starring Casey Affleck, Ed Harris, and Morgan Freeman; directorial debut by Ben Affleck

- Lake of Fire (NR): Documentary; about the U.S. division over abortion; co-starring Noam Chomsky, Norma McCorvey (Roe), and Alan Dershowitz

- Lars and the Real Girl (PG-13): Comedy; about an introverted man who introduces a life-size doll as his new girlfriend; co-starring Ryan Gosling

- Rendition (R): Political thriller; about an American wife who searches for her missing Egyptian-born husband, and the CIA analyst who questions his assignment; co-starring Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Alan Arkin

- Reservation Road (R): Drama; about two families whose lives converge; co-starring Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Connelly, and Mira Sorvino

- Sarah Landon and the Paranormal Hour (PG): Thriller; about a teenage girl who has mysterious encounters in a small town

- Sleuth (R): Remake thriller; about a wealthy detective novelist who tracks down the man who ran off with his wife; co-starring Michael Caine and Jude Law; directed by Kenneth Branagh

- Things We Lost in the FIre (R): Drama; about a woman who tries to cope with the loss of her family and the friend who tries to help her move forward; co-starring Benicio Del Toro, Halle Berry, and David Duchovny

- Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D (PG): Animation; about Halloween's attempt to take over the Christmas holiday; re-released in 3D for the first time

- 30 Days of Night (R): Horror; about an evil striking the town of Barrow, Alaska, during the winter period of 30 days without sun; co-starring Josh Hartnett

- Weirdsville (R): Drama; about two stoners who mistakenly bury their friend; co-starring Scott Speedman and Wes Bentley


Free Festivals:
16th Danville Fall Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: Along Hartz Ave. http://www.mlaproductions.com/

Oktoberfest 2007 Concord [Sat 11am-6pm]: 20+ microbrews, farmers' market, live music and more. At Todos Santos Plaza. http://www.communityconcerts.com/

6th Windsor Pumpkin Festival [Sun 10am-1pm]: Pumpkin desserts, pumpkin contest, live music. In Windsor Town Green. http://www.windsorfarmersmarket.com/

19th Fiesta on the Hill [Sun 11am-6pm]: Along Cortland Ave. in Bernal Heights (SF). http://www.fiestaonthehill.com/

5th Portola Festival [Sun 11am-4pm]: Along San Bruno Ave. (SF). http://www.portolafestival.org/


Other Activities:
Ice Skating - Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour [Fri-Sun in Oakland; Oct. 24-28 in San Jose]: Everyone's favorite cable production hits the ice during this national tour. At the Oracle Arena (Oakland) and HP Pavilion (San Jose), $18-60.

Live Jazz - 25th San Francisco Jazz Festival [Oct 17 - Nov 30]: At various locations in San Francisco. http://www.sfjazz.org/

Athletics - Nike Women's SF Marathon: [Th 4-8pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 8am-6pm] pick up race packets and free goodies at Union Square, get free manicures and massages; [Sun 4:30am-noon] let the race begin through Union Square, along the waterfront, and through the Presidio and Golden Gate Park.

Live Music - Dashboard Confessional [Fri 8pm]: With Augustana opening. At the Warfield (SF), $28. http://www.dashboardconfessional.com/

Ballet - Mei Lanfang [Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm]: Guanghou Ballet makes its West Coast debut with this work based on the life of the legendary Peking Opera performer. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $32-68. http://www.calperformances.net/

Live Music - Frederica von Stade [Sat 6pm, Sun 3pm]: Joining the mezzo-soprano will be Jake Heggie on piano. Saturday evening reception/dinner at Quail Lodge, $195; Sunday performance at Sunset Center (Carmel), $47-62. http://www.carmelmusic.org/

Theatre - The Color Purple: Musical about Love [through Dec. 9]: Oprah Winfrey presents this vivacious, moving adaptation of Alice Walker's novel. The semi-famous include LaToya London (American Idol Season 3) and Michelle Williams (Destiny's Child). At the Orpheum Theatre (SF), $35-99. http://www.shnsf.com/ recommended

Live Music - Interpol [Sat 8pm]: New York alt-rock band, with the Liars opening. Touring through Las Vegas, L.A., Mexico, and Europe after. At the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (SF), $33. http://www.interpolnyc.com/

Opera - The Magic Flute [through Nov 3]: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's work about a young prince seeking to rescue a princess returns. At the War Memorial Opera House (SF), $10-275. http://www.sfopera.com/

Previous: Opera - Appomattox [through Oct 24 in SF]

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Randy's Guide LV

Today is National Coming Out Day; Sunday is Polish Teacher's Day; and Tuesday is John Mayer's 30th. Welcome to all new readers. Please forward on to friends, family, and colleagues... and update me about any e-mail changes.

* Discount Alert #1 *
Muse Ten, owned and operated in San Francisco by my friend Cindy Tse, presents an online-only discount for its selection of specialty women's handbags and jewelry. Offer valid through Sunday. www.museten.com

* Discount Alert #2 *
Jamba Juice is spreading the word on its new Functional Smoothies. Work off that Pasta Pomodoro dish with the buy-one-get-one-free offer, valid through Tuesday. www.jambafunctionals.com/bogo/coupon.aspx

Local News Story of the Week:
Please give a warm welcome to Wikimedia Foundation, makers of Wikipedia, to San Francisco. Founder Jimmy Wales has quietly built up the nonprofit site to become among the 10-most-visited in the world. http://www.sfgate.com/flat/archive/2007/10/11/chronicle/archive/2007/10/11/BU69SNMQ2.html

Change for Change
Charity to consider: Bay Area Community Services. For over 50 years, BACS has served both adults with severe mental illness as well as seniors throughout Alameda County. http://www.bayareacs.org

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, and Farm Sanctuary.

Donate through the non-profit's Web site or your corporate donation program.

Weekend Weather:
Friday rain, then slightly warmer and fewer clouds through Sunday
High 59-64, Low 47: Half Moon Bay
High 60-65, Low 52: SF (beach), Montclair
High 63-68, Low 51: SF (downtown), Berkeley, Belmont
High 67-73, Low 46: Hollister

High 60, Low 37: Helena, MT (partly cloudy)
High 86, Low 75: Miami, FL (partly cloudy, humid)
High 65, Low 44: Philadelphia, PA (partly cloudy)
High 85-95, Low 60-65: Phoenix, AZ (clear)
High 70, Low 56: Seal Beach, CA (clear)
High 60-70, Low 40-50: Springfield, IL (partly cloudy)

Environmental Tip of the Week:
In light of two recent major beef recalls -- Topps and American Chef's -- consumers should again refocus efforts on selecting the healthier alternatives. Labels such as USDA organic, grass-fed, and certified humane raised and handled are better indicators than free-range, hormone-free, and natural. Some of the meat producers to look for are Niman Ranch, Coleman, and John Morrell.

Previous: Your milk purchases add up... the most energy-efficient choice is using a refillable glass container at dairy farms. The plastic containers come next, as they are easily recyclable and are a lighter material than glass or coated plastic.

Video of the Week:
"Pain" by Jimmy Eat World (Mesa, Arizona)

U.S. tour swings through San Francisco on Sunday, Southern California for six shows next week, and the East Coast in early November.

Previous:
"Harvest (within you)" by Clinic (UK)
<
Supporting Arcade Fire in the UK and Ireland over the next two months.

New Films: {#1 The Game Plan (PG), $16.7MM, 3105 screens; #2 The Heartbreak Kid (R), $14.0MM, 3229 screens; #3 The Kingdom (R), $9.7MM, 2802 screens; #22 Michael Clayton (R), $0.7MM, 15 screens}
- Elizabeth: The Golden Age (PG-13): Sequel drama; about Queen Elizabeth I's power struggle with Spanish King Philip II; co-starring Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, and Clive Owen

- Final Season (PG): Sports drama; about a small Iowa town's high-school baseball team; co-starring Sean Astin and Powers Boothe

- For the Bible Tells Me So (NR): Documentary; about the reconciliation of homosexuality with Biblical scripture; appearances by Richard Gephardt and Bishop Gene Robinson; appearance by Director Karslake in SF on Sunday at 5pm and 7:30pm

- Great World of Sound (R): Comedy; about two southern guys who become overnight record producers

- My Kid Could Paint That (PG-13): Documentary; about a 4-year-old painter who has sold more than $300,000 worth of paintings styled after Kandinsky and Pollock

- Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? (PG-13): Comedy; about eight married college friends who reunite for their annual retreat in Colorado; co-starring Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, and Jill Scott

- We Own the Night (R): Drama; about a New York family torn apart by the law; co-starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, and Robert Duvall

Freebies:
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival [Sat-Sun 9am-6pm]: More than 200,000 people are forecasted to attend the 36th annual Halloween festival, with a pumpkin weigh-off, a parade, a haunted house, and a pie-eating contest. On Main St, between Miramontes and Spruce. www.miramarevents.com

Montclair Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: In Downtown Montclair Village (Oakland). www.pacificfinearts.com

Noe Valley Harvest Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: Along 24th St, between Church and Sanchez (SF). www.noevalleyharvestfestival

Orinda Fall Art Fair [Sat 10am-5pm]: At Orinda Community Center. www.laa4art.org

Potrero Hill Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: At the Neighborhood House (SF). 415-826-8080

Berkeley Spice of Life Festival [Sun 10am-6pm]: Foodies enter! This is a celebration of North Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto, with free tastings, cooking demonstrations, and yoga practice. www.spiceoflifefestival.com


Non-Freebies:
Event - Oktoberfest by the Bay [Th-Fri 5pm-midnight, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-7pm]: Annual celebration of German culture, which of course includes oompah bands and fresh beer. At Festival Pavilion in Fort Mason (SF), FREE-$20. Look for $5-off coupons at Sports Basement. www.oktoberfestbythebay.com

Event - Chocolate Fest [Fri-Sat 7:30-10pm, Sat-Sun 1:30-4pm]: Once you pay admission to this fundraiser, it's all-you-can-eat chocolate treats. At the First Congregational of Belmont, $17-25. www.uccbelmont.org/events.htm

Theatre - King Lear [through Sunday]: Based on Shakespeare's play about the madness of royalty. At Bruns Amphitheater (Orinda), $15-60. www.calshakes.org

Event - Northern California Renaissance Faire [through Sunday, 10am-6pm]: Popular historical costume party celebrating the age of the Renaissance. At Casa de Fruta (Hollister), $10-25. www.norcalrenfaire.org

Ballet - Smuin Fall/Winter Program [through Sunday]: With works by Amy Seiwert, Michael Smuin, and Kirk Peterson. At the Palace of Fine Arts (SF), $18-55. www.smuinballet.org

Comedy - Damon Wayans [through Sunday]: The "In Living Color" star makes an SF appearance. At Cobb's Comedy Club, $40. www.cobbscomedyclub.com

Previous: Opera - Tannhauser [through Friday in SF]; Theatre - Sweeney Todd [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Theatre Rhinoceros: The First Thirty Years [through Sunday in SF]; Opera - Appomattox [through Oct 24 in SF]

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Randy's Guide Update: Pasta Pomodoro Special

Great deal for Monday. Looks like lunch or dinner are valid; hours are roughly 11am - 10pm. Call your branch to ensure that it is participating in the special.

On Monday 10/8, Pasta Pomodoro is offering "Buy a pasta entree to-go and get one free to-go" when you mention their Columbus Day to-go special. The free pasta must be equal to or less than the price of the most expensive pasta dish(es) purchased.

Northern California locations:
East Bay - El Cerrito, Emeryville, Milpitas, Oakland, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Union City, Vallejo
Marin - Mill Valley, Novato, San Rafael
Peninsula - Redwood City, San Bruno, San Mateo, Sunnyvale
San Francisco - Castro / Cow Hollow / Laurel Village / Noe Valley / North Beach / Sunset
Tri-Delta - Elk Grove, Roseville, West Roseville

Southern California locations:
LA-Riverside County - Burbank, Corona, Manhattan Beach, Sherman Oaks, West Hollywood, Woodland Hills
Orange County - Aliso Viejo, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Newport Coast, Orange

Randy's Guide LIV

Happy German-American Day (Saturday), 37th to Matt Damon (Monday), Columbus Day (Monday), and Ugandan Independence Day (Tuesday)! Welcome to all new readers. Please forward on to friends, family, and colleagues... and update me about any e-mail changes.


Event Alert:
Theatre Bay Area and Theatre Communications Group, in conjunction with numerous sponsors such as BART and The Onion, have teamed up to provide another Free Night at the Theatre. Each person can receive two complimentary tickets to performances later this month. Check out http://www.theatrebayarea.org/tix/ftd_list.jsp for more details. Note: additional shows will be added over the next two weeks - be vigilant.


Local News Story of the Week:
Three-minute online dating is at your service! The Stanford University graduate class project has turned into San Mateo-based Speeddate.com. http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=81472


~ CHANGE FOR CHANGE ~
Charity to consider: Bay Area Community Services. For over 50 years, BACS has served both adults with severe mental illness as well as seniors throughout Alameda County. http://www.bayareacs.org/

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, and Farm Sanctuary.

Donate through the non-profit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Weekend Weather:
20% chance of storms Friday, then warming through Sunday
High 62-66, Low 52: San Francisco (beach), San Bruno
High 64-69, Low 52: San Francisco (downtown), Berkeley
High 67-76, Low 45-48: San Jose, Danville, San Carlos, Napa, San Leandro, Santa Rosa, Mountain View

High 54-83, Low 37-51: Denver (clear & warm, then 20% chance of rain)
High 76-87, Low 50-67: Lincoln (clear, then 50% chance of t-storms)
High 85, Low 65: Newark (mostly cloudy)
High 89, Low 75: New Orleans (30% chance t-storms)
High 68, Low 54: Santa Monica (clear)
High 57, Low 47: Seattle (partly cloudy, then 60% chance of rain)


Environmental Tip of the Week:
Your milk purchases add up... the most energy-efficient choice is using a refillable glass container at dairy farms. The plastic containers come next, as they are easily recyclable and are a lighter material than glass or coated plastic.

Previous: For those looking to remodel their homes, consider an eco-friendly home contractor. Green building practices are the foundation for the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which lists accredited professionals at http://www.usgbc.org/.


Video of the Week:
"Harvest (within you)" by Clinic (UK)

Supporting Arcade Fire in the UK and Ireland over the next two months.

Previous:
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by Jake Shimabukuro (Hawaii)

Based on George Harrison's classic song, Shimabukuro's ukelele-based video has received more than 1 million views. He's currently on tour in Japan and Hawaii, but will be returning to Washington, Oregon, Nevada and California later in October.


New Films: {#1 The Game Plan (PG), $23.0MM, 3103 screens; #2 The Kingdom (R), $17.1MM, 2793 screens; #3 Resident Evil: Extinction (R), $8.0MM, 2828 screens; #20 Into the Wild (R), $0.6MM, 33 screens}
- Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (R): Western; about the notorious U.S. outlaw and his enemies who attempt to cash in on the reward money. Co-starring Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, and Mary-Louise Parker.

- Darjeeling Limited (R): Comedy; about three American brothers whose attempt to bond while journeying across India becomes derailed; co-starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman; directed by Wes Anderson

- Feel the Noise (PG-13): Musical; about an aspiring Harlem rapper who escapes to Puerto Rico to become Reggaeton stars; co-produced by Jennifer Lopez

- Heartbreak Kid (R): Remake comedy; about a bachelor who meets the girl of his dreams while on his honeymoon; co-starring Ben Stiller; directed by the Farrelly brothers

- I Want Someone to Eat Cheese with (NR): Comedy; about a Chicago actor searching for his soul mate; co-starring Jeff Garlin and Sarah Silverman

- Lust, Caution (NC-17): Thriller; about a powerful politician who works for the Japanese puppet government and the woman enlisted to assassinate him; co-starring Tony Leung, Tang Wei, and Joan Chen; directed by Ang Lee

- Michael Clayton (R): Thriller; about a former prosecutor who takes care of a corporate law firm's dirty work; co-starring George Clooney and Tilda Swinton

- Seeker: The Dark Is Rising (PG): Fantasy; about a young time traveller who battles dark forces of evil

- Vanaja (NR): Musical drama; about a teenage girl in rural southern India who yearns to become a dancer


Freebies:
- http://www.sfsymphony.org/: FRI noon. Outdoor concert featuring Copland and Gershwin. In Cesar Chavez Plaza (San Jose).

- http://www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/: FRI 10:30am-noon, 2:15-7pm; SAT/SUN 11am-7pm. Featuring Gillian Welch, Los Lobos, Emmylou Harris, Jeff Tweedy, and dozens more. In Speedway, Lindley & Marx Meadows in Golden Gate Park (SF).

- http://www.sfzinefest.com/: FRI 2-8pm; SAT 11am-7pm. With more than 50 small-press vendors representing the independent, underground publishing community. At the Women's Building (SF).

- http://www.sanbrunochamber.com/: SAT 10am-4pm. 4th annual Autumn Fest in San Bruno City Park.

- http://www.adas4art.org/: SAT/SUN 10am-5pm. 9th annual Art in the Park (Danville).

- http://www.sancarloschamber.org/: SAT/SUN 10am-5:30pm. 17th annual Art & Wine Faire (San Carlos), near Laurel St. and San Carlos Ave.

- http://www.winecountrycajunfestival.com/: SAT 1-6pm. Inaugural food and music fest, featuring Zydeco Flames, cajun food demonstrations, and palm readers.In downtown Napa, along First St.

- http://www.poloniasf.org/: SUN 10am-5pm. In honor of Polish Heritage Month comes this festival in the County Fair Building of Golden Gate Park (SF).

- http://www.sausageandsuds.com/: SUN 10am-6pm. In downtown San Leandro, near Parrott and E. 14th streets.

- http://www.sfcolumbusday.org/: SUN 12:30pm. Italian Heritage Parade, with Grand Marshal Frankie Valli. From Fisherman's Wharf to Washington Square Park (SF).

- www.sfjazz.org: WED noon. Live jazz by Joel Dorham Latin Jazz Octet in Levi's Plaza (SF).



Non-Freebies:
Symphony - Itzhak Perlman [Th/Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm]: The famed violinist-conductor performs Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms. At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $25-125. http://www.sfsymphony.org/

Ballet - Joffrey Ballet [Th/Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm/8pm]: As part of Cal Performances' October tribute to Twyla Tharp. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $34-90. http://www.calperformances.net/

Festival - Sonoma County Harvest Fair [Fri-Sun 10am-7pm]: At the Sonoma County Fairgrounds (Santa Rosa), $4-6. http://www.harvestfair.org/

Live Rock - The Shins [Fri 8pm]: Propelled to fame as the band that Natalie Portman's character listens to the movie "Garden State." With The Shaky Hands opening. At the Greek Theatre (Berkeley), $37 general. http://www.theshins.com/

Opera - Appomattox [Opens Fri 8pm, through Oct 24]: World premiere of Philip Glass' production, about the close of the U.S. Civil War. At the War Memorial Opera House (SF), $15-275. http://www.sfopera.com/

Live Rock - The Go Go's [Fri 9pm]: Limited tour for the '80s female-only band. At the Independent (SF), sold out - buy secondhand. http://www.gogos.com/

Live Rock - Download Festival 2007 [Sat 2-11pm]: Headliners are The Cure and AFI. At Shoreline Amphitheatre (Mountain View), $22-75. http://www.downloadfestival.com/

Live Rock - Genesis [Tue 8pm]: The band reunites, with Phil Collins as the lead. At the HP Pavilion (San Jose), $58-228. http://www.genesis-music.com/

Previous: Opera - Tannhauser [through Oct 12]; Theatre - Sweeney Todd [through Oct 14]; Theatre - Theatre Rhinoceros: The First Thirty Years [through Oct 14]