Randy's Guide CLXXII (172)

This week features: Groundhog Day; the 38th anniversary of Northern Ireland's "Bloody Sunday"; singer Adam Lambert's 28th; Black History Month (February); and Candlemas.


Local News
Westboro Baptist Church has made the lengthy journey from Kansas to protest at various Bay Area locations today and tomorrow. Here's a partial list: Twitter headquarters; the Contemporary Jewish Museum; the Golden Gate Theatre; Gunn High School; Stanford University; and the U.S. District Court. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/scavenger/detail?entry_id=56122


Change for Change
Reader Jack H. urges readers to contribute to the Haiti relief effort. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have combined forces to help the people of Haiti after the devastating January 12th earthquake. Donate now at www.clintonbushhaitifund.org or text QUAKE to 20222 to give $10.

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, Bay Area Community Services, Blue Energy, My New Red Shoes, College Track, Foundation for the People of Burma, Vital Life Services, Little Angel Fund, San Francisco Health Services Coalition, Natural Resources Defense Council, Bay Localize, San Francisco Women Against Rape, Sustainable Conservation, Ashoka, Old Skool Cafe, Darfur Sister Schools, Rebuilding Together San Francisco, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, and Urban Solutions.


Weekend Weather
Mostly sunny weekend, finally. Spotty showers possible on Friday afternoon into the night.

Highs: upper-50s
Lows: upper-30s (inland); low-40s (bay); mid-40s (coast/SF)


The Environment
To remove mineral deposits or grease buildup, use naturally acidic substances such as vinegar or lemon juice. Avoid toxic cleaning agents such as ammonia, bleach, and chlorine.


Music
"Everything Changes and Nothing Changes" by Dave Smallen (Oakland, Calif.)

Catch Dave at the Bottom of the Hill on Friday night as part of the SF Winter Music Festival. He's part of a lineup that includes previous Randy's Guide band The Trophy Fire (from San Francisco), as well as Rykarda Parasol (from SF) and The Action Design (from Petaluma). www.davesmallen.com


Movies {domestic revenues through January 24}
"Avatar" now can claim itself as the film with the most revenues in history (though certainly not attendance), with another $34.9 million to its coffers [rated PG-13; 6th weekend; 3141 theatres; $11,125 per theatre; $551.7 million overall]. The apocalyptic action film "Legion" had a strong second-place showing of $17.5 million [rated R; 2476 theatres; $7,069 per theatre]. "Tooth Fairy," the latest silly comedy from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, had a mediocre opening with $14.0 million [rated PG; 3344 theatres; $4,190 per theatre]. Harrison Ford couldn't uplift "Extraordinary Measures" beyond eighth place, with a tally of $6.0 million [rated PG; 2549 theatres; $2,359 per theatre]. And in limited but expanding release, Jeff Bridges looks destined to finally pick up an Oscar as a washed-up singer in "Crazy Heart," which netted $1.4 million [rated R; 6th weekend; 93 theatres; $14,551 per theatre; $3.9 million overall].

Edge of Darkness (R): Thriller; about a Boston police detective whose only daughter is found murdered; co-starring Mel Gibson

Fish Tank (NR): Drama; about a rebellious teenage girl who initially gets along with her mother's new boyfriend

Storm (NR): Drama; about an effort to prosecute a Serbian commander in the International Criminal Court

When in Rome (PG-13): Romantic comedy; about a young American woman who plucks three coins out of a fountain in Rome, Italy; co-starring Josh Duhamel, Kristen Bell, and Danny DeVito

DVD Pick - World's Greatest Dad (R): Not what you would expect from Robin Williams. It's a fairly dark comedy about a father who is rather unhappy with his life but gets an opportunity to change things around. Domestic box office: $0.2 million.


Free Activities
Yoga Marketplace [Fri noon-8p; Sat-Sun 10a-7p]: 7th annual. At the Hyatt Embarcadero (SF). www.yjevents.com

Man Up Market [Fri 3-9p, Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: Lagunitas beer, two local wineries, absinthe cocktails, and of course local men's fashion are on display. At the Cal Modern Art Gallery (SF). www.sfmanup.com

The Mermen [Fri 6p]: In honor of the San Francisco band's first album in more than a decade. Concert at The Independent on Saturday evening. At Amoeba Records (SF). www.mermen.net


Paid Activities
Bookswap [Fri 6:30-9:30p]: Swap books, nosh on food, and imbibe on wine. Bring a book and save 20% on all purchases. With special guests Stephen Elliott and Kevin Smokler. At the Booksmith (SF), $25. www.booksmithsf.com

Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show [Sat-Sun 8:30a-5p]: 105th annual. Featuring dog competitions, a dog fashion show, vendors, and more. At the Cow Palace (Daly City), $7-12. www.goldengatekc.com

AMA Supercross [Sat 12:30p practice, 7p show]: At AT&T Park (SF), $25-75. http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ballpark/sbcpark_events.jsp

Hope for Haiti [Mon 7p-1a]: Featuring Mark Farina, Miguel Migs, and many other house DJs as part of the international House4Haiti.com movement. 100% of proceeds will go to Doctors Without Borders. At Mighty (SF), $10 suggested donation. www.mighty119.com

Dave Eggers [Mon 7p]: In conversation with columnist Jon Carroll, Mr. Eggers will discuss his journey as a writer and his advocacy for other writers (see 826 Valencia). At Berkeley Repertory Theatre, $30. www.berkeleyrep.org

Loveland [through Feb. 21]: A solo comedy show about journeying home in the wake of a parent's death. At The Marsh (SF), $15-50. www.themarsh.org

Previous: Art - Prejudice and Patriotism: The Story of Japanese Americans [through Sunday in SF]; Film - Film Noir Festival [through Sunday in SF]; Event - Women on the Way Festival [through Sunday in SF]; Comedy - SF Sketchfest [through Tuesday in SF]; Theatre - Phedre [through Feb. 7 in SF]; Art - Cartier exhibit [through Apr. 18 in SF]

Randy's Guide CLXXI (171)

This week features: Attorney General Eric Holder's 59th; International Holocaust Remembrance Day; Danville's heroic pilot Chesley Sullenberger's 59th; the 95th anniversary of Alexander Graham Bell's transcontinental conversation with Thomas Watson; singer Alicia Key's 29th; and Australia Day.


Local News
On the heels of Trader Joe's coming to the Castro, Whole Foods is moving a few blocks from the famed hippie corner Haight-Ashbury. The scaled-back agreement, supported by Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi and Mayor Gavin Newsom, will allow renovation on the existing building (vacant since 2006) for a Whole Foods about the same size as one in Noe Valley. http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/11/02/daily174.html


Deal of the Week
San Francisco will be offering free or discounted H1N1 flu vaccines during next week, January 25-29. Locations such as Walgreen's or Safeway will offer them for about $15-20, while community health centers will offer free vaccines. www.sfcdcp.org/fluvaccine.html


Change for Change
Reader Jack H. urges readers to contribute to the Haiti relief effort. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have combined forces to help the people of Haiti after the devastating January 12th earthquake. Donate now at www.clintonbushhaitifund.org or text QUAKE to 20222 to give $10.

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, Bay Area Community Services, Blue Energy, My New Red Shoes, College Track, Foundation for the People of Burma, Vital Life Services, Little Angel Fund, San Francisco Health Services Coalition, Natural Resources Defense Council, Bay Localize, San Francisco Women Against Rape, Sustainable Conservation, Ashoka, Old Skool Cafe, Darfur Sister Schools, Rebuilding Together San Francisco, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, and Urban Solutions.


Weekend Weather
Storm #4 is passing through today and tomorrow. We'll see a bit of sun on Saturday before storm #5 enters the area on Sunday evening.

Highs: mid-50s
Lows: upper-30s (inland); low-40s (bay); mid-40s (coast)


The Environment
Propane-powered lawn equipment such as the Lehr Eco Trimmer meets the new EPA standards set to take effect this year and next. Replacing inefficient gas-powered equipment reduces greenhouse-gas emissions.


Music
"Ready, Able" by Grizzly Bear (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

The stop-motion animation is incredible... but then the surreal harmonies of this band are sure good too. Its third album was deemed the best album of the year by The Wall Street Journal, and also made the top-ten list for Time Magazine and The New York Times. Currently in the UK, Grizzly Bear will be at Coachella in April. www.grizzly-bear.net


Movies {domestic revenues through January 18}
Picking up Golden Globes for Best Picture and Best Director certainly won't hurt "Avatar," as it added $54.4 million [rated PG-13; 5th weekend; 3285 theatres; $16,561 per theatre; $504.9 million overall]. The Denzel Washington thriller "The Book of Eli" opened strongly with $38.4 million [rated R; 3111 theatres; $12,355 per theatre]. "The Lovely Bones," directed by Peter Jackson, broadened into the general market to a $19.9 million tally [rated PG-13; 6th weekend; 2563 theatres; $7,768 per theatre; $20.4 million overall]. And the Jackie Chan comedy "The Spy Next Door" premiered weakly with $12.9 million [rated PG; 2924 theatres; $4,404 per theatre].

Creation (PG-13): Drama; about the life of Charles Darwin and his investigation into evolution; co-starring Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly, and Jeremy Northam

Extraordinary Measures (PG): Drama; true story about a successful family man whose life changes course when his two children are diagnosed with a rare disease; co-starring Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser

Legion (R): Action; about the apocalyptic battle between a ragtag bunch of humans, led by an archangel, and God's legion of angels; co-starring Paul Bettany, Lucas Black, and Tyrese Gibson

The Tooth Fairy (PG): Comedy; about a hockey player who must take the role of tooth fairy as punishment; co-starring Dwayne Johnson and Ashley Judd

A Town Called Panic (NR): Animation; about a trio who discovers an underwater world

DVD Pick - Inglourious Basterds (R): Christoph Waltz, who has won Best Supporting Actor from the Golden Globes and Cannes, is the main reason to see this revisionist action-comedy. Quentin Tarentino frequently shows off his knack for crackling dialogue and visuals, while Brad Pitt hams it up as a Nazi-hunting Jew. Domestic box office: $120.5 million; foreign box office: $192.3 million.


Free Activities
Walk for Life vs. Bay Area Coalition for Our Reproductive Rights [Sat 11a]: Featuring speakers and a march along the Embarcadero, from Justin Herman Plaza to Fisherman's Wharf. Protesters and counter-protesters expected. www.walkforlifewc.com ~ www.bacorr.org

Edwardian Ball Vendor Bazaar and Croquet Garden [Sat noon-7p]: Featuring handcrafted goods and jewelry for Neo-Victorian admirers. At the Regency Ballroom (SF). www.edwardianball.com

Casting Call for Gordon Ramsay program [Sun 11a-4p]: Bring one prepared dish at room temperature for your chance to be on Gordon Ramsay's new television program, "Masterchef." RSVP required at masterchefSF@gmail.com. Include your name, age, occupation, city and state you reside, and contact phone number in the email. At Maiden Lane's Sur La Table (SF). www.3ballproductions.com/masterchef.html

Winter Concert [Sun 1p]: Featuring works by Dvorak, Griffes, and Lyadov, as performed by the San Francisco Civic Symphony. At the Kensington Park Hotel's Elk Club Ballroom (SF). www.sfcivicsymphony.com


Paid Activities
Coffee at NightLife [Thu 6-10p]: Popular weekly event, though a special coffee/tea seminar with tastings from Blue Bottle, Ritual, Barefoot, Samovar, Four Barrel, Om Shan, and Equator will make this even better on a cold, rainy night. With Future Universal DJs. At the California Academy of Sciences (SF), $10-12. www.calacademy.org

Michael Pollan discussion [Sat 10a]: Featuring the Berkeley writer-professor whose food paeans are regular best sellers. His latest, "Food Rules," is a simplified version of his previous novels. At the Ferry Building (SF), $20 (includes book). www.michaelpollan.com

Peking Acrobats [Sat 2p, Sun 3p]: Featuring a live orchestra, jugglers, cyclists, clowns, and tumblers. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $12-46. www.calperformances.org

Film Noir Festival [through Jan. 31]: 8th annual. Featuring 10 days of film noir double features from the 1940s and 1950s. At the Castro Theatre (SF), $10. www.noircity.com

Women on the Way Festival [through Jan. 31]: 10th annual. Featuring theatre, music, and dance from local Bay Area female artists. At The Garage, ODC Theatre, and Shotwell Studios (SF), $15-20. www.ftloose.org

SF Sketchfest [through Feb. 2]: Featuring "Weird Al" Yankovic, Reno 911!, Dave Eggers, Jason Segel, Fred Willard, Neil Patrick Harris, and others. At various sites in San Francisco and one location in San Rafael, $10-35. www.sfsketchfest.com

Previous: Theatre - Auralia's Oratorio [through Sunday in Berkeley]; Theatre - Cirque du Soleil's Ovo [through Sunday in SF]; Art - Prejudice and Patriotism: The Story of Japanese Americans [through Jan. 31 in SF]; Theatre - Phedre [through Feb. 7 in SF]; Art - Cartier exhibit [through Apr. 18 in SF]

Randy's Guide CLXX (170)

This week features: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Kings of Leon lead singer Caleb Followill's 28th; National Religious Freedom Day; and actress Betty White's 88th.


Local News
Trader Joe's signed a deal to move into the Castro next year, pending permit approvals and traffic studies. After Tower Records left in 2007, the two-story building never found an anchor tenant, though three small existing stores will have to leave under the agreement. www.sfexaminer.com/local/Trader-Joes-heads-to-Castro-81294677.html


Change for Change
To start off the New Year properly, please consider donating to one of the following charities spotlighted in Randy's Guide during 2009:
Bay Localize, San Francisco Women Against Rape, Sustainable Conservation, Ashoka, Old Skool Cafe, Darfur Sister Schools, Rebuilding Together San Francisco, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, and Urban Solutions.


Holiday Weekend Weather
A good soaking rain should return by Sunday morning and last through at least Tuesday.

Highs: mid-50s
Lows: low-40s (inland); mid-40s (coast-bay); upper-40s (SF)


The Environment
The next time you take in dry cleaning, bring your garments on plastic hangers and in a reusable garment bag.


Music
"Harmless Lover's Discourse" by Odawas (Berkeley, Calif.)

Catch the ambient pop duo - who met in Indiana, moved to Illinois, and now live in the Bay Area - at San Francisco's Cafe Du Nord tonight. Their fourth CD came out just last year. www.odawas.net


Movies {domestic revenues through January 10}
James Cameron's visual spectacle "Avatar" continues its torrid run, with an additional $50.3 million [rated PG-13; 4th weekend; 3422 theatres; $14,701 per theatre; $430.8 million overall]. The Jude Law-Robert Downey Jr. remake "Sherlock Holmes" added another $16.6 million [rated PG-13; 3rd weekend; 3626 theatres; $4,574 per theatre; $165.2 million overall]. The animated "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" tallied $16.6 million as well [rated PG; 3rd weekend; 3641 theatres; $4,550 per theatre; $178.5 million overall]. Finally, in fourth place, the vamp tale "Daybreakers" opened with $15.1 million [rated R; 2523 theatres; $6,003 per theatre].

Bitch Slap (NR): Thriller; about three femmes fatales who attempt to steal millions of dollars from a kingpin; co-starring Kevin Sorbo and Lucy Lawless

The Book of Eli (R): Action; about a loner who must save humanity in a post-apocalyptic world; co-starring Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, and Jennifer Beals; directed by the Hughes brothers

Dancing with the Devil (NR): Documentary; about the battle between the police and drug lords in Rio de Janeiro

Daybreakers (R): Thriller; about the attempt to save humanity in a world overrun by vampires; co-starring Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, and Sam Neill

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (PG-13): Fantasy; about a traveling theatre troupe that gives audience members the opportunity to step into a fantastic universe; co-starring Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Colin Farrell, and Christopher Plummer; directed by Terry Gilliam ("Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and "12 Monkeys")

Leap Year (PG): Comedy; about a woman who travels to Dublin to propose to her waffling boyfriend on leap day; co-starring Amy Adams, Matthew Goode, and John Lithgow

The Lovely Bones (PG-13): Drama; about a young girl who watches over her family and her killer from heaven; co-starring Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, and Mark Wahlberg; directed by Peter Jackson ("Lord of the Rings" trilogy)

Police, Adjective (NR): Drama; about a policeman who has moral issues with arresting a young man who peddles drugs; directed by Corneliu Porumboiu (the excellent "12:08 East of Bucharest")

The Spy Next Door (PG): Action comedy; about an undercover spy who has to babysit for his girlfriend's three kids; co-starring Jackie Chan, George Lopez, and Billy Ray Cyrus

What's the Matter with Kansas? (NR): Documentary; about the political dichotomy in Kansas, as its progressive roots have been taken over by conservative factions

The White Ribbon (R): Drama; about a Protestant village in northern Germany on the eve of WWI; directed by Michael Haneke (tense "Cache"); winner of 3 Cannes awards, including Best Picture; nominated for Best Foreign Film, Golden Globes

DVD Pick - (500) Days of Summer (PG-13): This disarmingly clever modern romantic comedy traces through one relationship in a haphazard fashion. Nominated for 2 Golden Globes and 3 Independent Spirit Awards. Domestic box office: $32.4 million; foreign box office: $26.2 million.


Free Activities
SFMOMA 75th Anniversary [Sat 11a-11p, Sun-Mon 11a-6p]: Featuring live music, children's activities, new installations, film screenings, and more. At SFMOMA (SF). www.sfmoma.org

Day of Service [Mon 9a-5p]: Construct an educational farm and park in downtown Oakland, then march to honor Dr. King. At 7th and Mandela (Oakland). www.mobettafood.com

Very First Concert for Families [Mon 11a/noon]: A brief musical sing-along concert, followed by musical instruction, hands-on activities, and dancing. At the Crowden Music Center (Berkeley). www.sfchamberorchestra.org

Kitchen Table talk [Tue 6:30p]: Open discussion with three urban homesteaders about the benefits of solar ovens, community gardens, backyard livestock, and more. Featuring sustainable treats from Bi-Rite Market and Shoe Shine Wines. At the Mission District's Viracocha (SF), free with $10 suggested donation. RSVP to ktt@civileats.com or 925.785.0713. www.foodfirst.org

Aquarium of the Bay [Tue-Thu 10a-6p]: Free for Santa Clara County residents. At Pier 39's Aquarium of the Bay (SF). www.aquariumofthebay.org


Paid Activities
Luce concert [Fri 8p]: Featuring the San Francisco-based rock band, with Pollux and Ryan Auffenberg opening. At Slim's (SF), $15. www.luceband.com

Avenue Q [through Sunday]: The hit Broadway musical, winner of multiple Tony Awards in 2004, comes to town. At San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, $20-88. www.sjtix.com

Auralia's Oratorio [through Jan. 24]: Featuring the acrobatics and comedy of two talented performers. At the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, $18-57. www.berkeleyrep.org

Ovo [through Jan. 24]: The latest Cirque du Soleil production makes its U.S. premiere with a focus on insects. At AT&T Park's Willie Mays Plaza (SF), $60-125. www.cirquedusoleil.com

Phedre [through Feb. 7]: Featuring the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, about a king's wife who falls in love with a younger man. At the ACT (SF), $10-80. www.act-sf.org

Previous: Event - Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square [through Monday in SF]; Art - Prejudice and Patriotism: The Story of Japanese Americans [through Jan. 31 in SF]; Art - Cartier exhibit [through Apr. 18 in SF]

Randy's Guide CLXIX (169)

This week features: Led Zeppelin musician Jimmy Page's 65th, Morocco's Independence Resistance Day, and Johnny Cash's 1968 Folsom Prison performance.


Local News
The mysterious disappearance of sea lions from San Francisco's Pier 39 and Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf has an explanation: El Nino. It appears the warmer ocean waters have pushed the herring population north to Oregon, and this has shifted sea lion and pelican populations with them. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/01/07/MN281BE41C.DTL


Deal of the Week
With operations in San Francisco and Petaluma, Barbara's Bakery offers organic cereals, cookies, and other snacks. Sign up for free samples at www.barbarassamples.com.


Change for Change
To start off the New Year properly, please consider donating to one of the following charities spotlighted in Randy's Guide during 2009:
Bay Localize, San Francisco Women Against Rape, Sustainable Conservation, Ashoka, Old Skool Cafe, Darfur Sister Schools, Rebuilding Together San Francisco, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, and Urban Solutions.


Weekend Weather
Considering it'll be 20 at night in Florida, icy in Nashville, and snowy in Chicago, we're looking good. Slight chance of rain Friday and Saturday.

Highs: near 60
Lows: near 45


The Environment
My favorite three suggestions from 2009:
1) Those free newspapers often clutter up our driveways, generate considerable waste, and flutter into the streets with reckless abandon. To stop delivery of the San Francisco Examiner, go to www.examiner.com/delivery/cancel; for those outside the San Francisco zone, you can check www.stopfreepapers.org to see if your newspaper group is listed.

2) For clearing clogged drains, pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by three cups of boiling water. Don't use over-the-counter products like Drano, which will corrode the metal pipes and release toxic vapors into the home.

3) Switch one staple of your diet from conventional to organic. Choose something like eggs, milk, or apples that won't challenge your budget but will be a repeated purchase. The food should taste better and will not contain the chemicals found to be harmful to human health.


Movies
It's no surprise that "Avatar" has steamrolled over $1 billion in global revenues. Sandra Bullock, though, has quietly become the actress behind the highest-grossing female-starring film, namely "The Blind Side." Let's take a look at five top films (alphabetized) that I've seen from 2009, ones that you will hear more about during this award season.

1) Inglourious Basterds - Quentin Tarentino hasn't lost his knack for dialogue or pulp visuals. Christoph Waltz has already picked up numerous awards for his supporting role as a sadistic, meticulous Nazi.

2) Precious - After its premiere at Sundance, this little-film-that-could received a major boost from Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry. The two female leads, newcomer Gabourey Sidibe and comedian Mo'Nique, pack a powerful daughter-mother punch in this gritty tale that also features good bit parts by singers Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz.

3) Star Trek - The year's top action film manages to breathe new life into an aging franchise. J.J. Abrams, known for his deft touch with "Alias" and "Lost," compiles an attractive, talented crew for sequels to come. With ten films to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars this year, this is one that could very well sneak in.

4) Up - The sentimental allusion to Fenton's Creamery is worth a viewing by itself. Pixar creates a masterful story (now out on DVD) that makes full use of the wry comedy of Edward Asner. It'll surely get animated film honors... but why not for the big prize too?

5) Up in the Air - George Clooney is the man. His comic timing shows up in Wes Anderson's "Fantastic Mr. Fox"; here, though, he has a deeper turn as an airborne executive who lays off corporate employees for a living. This follow-up from the director of "Juno" is going to be a big winner this awards season.


Free Activities
Aquarium of the Bay [Thu 10a-6p]: Free admission for San Francisco residents - bring proof of residency. At Aquarium of the Bay (SF). www.aquariumofthebay.org

18th Street Corridor Art Exhibition [Thu 7-10p]: Featuring talented local artists from the Mission District. Fresh black beans and rice will be served - bring your own utensils to reduce waste. At 18 Reasons (SF). www.18reasons.org

Persephone's Bees concert [Fri 9p]: With the Dashing Suns and Make Me opening. Doors open at 6pm, with local art reception. At Uptown (Oakland). www.uptownnightclub.com

ACT: A Landmark Celebration [Sat 10a-5p]: Open House celebration in Union Square, with stage readings, self-guided theater tours, stage combat demonstrations, free refreshments, and more. Members and donors from 10a-1p; general public from 2-5p. At the ACT (SF). www.act-sf.org

Vintage Paper Fair [Sat 10a-6p; Sun 10a-4p]: Featuring antique postcards, trading cards, photographs, sports memorabilia, and more. At Golden Gate Park's County Fair Building (SF). www.vintagepaperfair.com

Street Utopia North Beach [Sat 5:30-9p]: Featuring "livable city" documentaries, street-cart food vendors, public speakers, local artists, and more. Near Columbus and Montgomery (SF). www.streetutopia.org


Paid Activities
Shen Yun performance [Thu-Fri 7:30p; Sat 2p/7p; Sun 2p; Mon-Tue 7:30p]: Catch the acrobatics of this popular Chinese dance troupe, which toured over 100 cities last year. With live orchestra. At the War Memorial Opera House (SF), $40-160; Center for the Performing Arts (San Jose), $40-110; and Community Center Theater (Sacramento), $40-90. www.shenyunperformingarts.org

Mochitsuki [Sat noon-4p]: Here's your opportunity to observe and participate in the making of traditional Japanese mochi. At the Asian Art Museum (SF), free with $7-12 admission. www.asianart.org

Kimya Dawson concert [Sat 4:30p]: Her collaborations made the big screen in "Juno," but she has had multiple albums with the Moldy Peaches and on her own. With Your Heart Breaks and Angelo Spencer opening. At the Rickshaw Stop (SF), $12-14. www.kimyadawson.com

Previous: Event - Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square [through Jan. 18 in SF]; Art - Prejudice and Patriotism: The Story of Japanese Americans [through Jan. 31 in SF]; Art - Cartier exhibit [through Apr. 18 in SF]