Randy's Guide CCLIV (254)

Historic milestones: 6 years since the landfall of Hurricane Katrina; 72 years since the first Major League Baseball telecast; 95 years since the creation of the US National Park Service; and 113 years since the creation of Pepsi-Cola.


Local Food Pick
Boxing Room

399 Grove St. (at Gough St.)

San Francisco, CA 94102

Boxing Room

Yelp - Boxing Room

I finally snagged a hard-to-get reservation at this two-month-old Creole joint in Hayes Valley. The fried alligator, southern fried chicken, and crawfish etouffee are all highly recommended. The interior design is warm and open, a dramatic shift from the previous tenant Citizen Cake. 4 stars - 106 reviews.

Previous picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Asmara; Katana-Ya; Bouchon Bakery; A La Turca.

Reader's Pick
Reader Nathan Marken recommends (and performs in) Fifi & Fanny: The Beginning. Comedic hi-jinks ensue. Catch shows on Saturday at 8pm, or Sunday at 3pm/8pm. $5-10 tickets. At Capp Community Music Center (SF). http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/180981

Change for Change
Charity: The Bike Kitchen. Winning community awards since 2004, this nonprofit is entirely run by volunteers who teach people how to fix their own bicycles. Riders can rent tools and get on-site help for a daily $5 rate, or $40-80 annual fee (or six volunteer hours). The organization even has made sizable financial assistance this year to both CELLspace and Lyon-Martin Health Services. Address is 650H Florida, San Francisco CA 94110. www.bikekitchen.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, 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, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, La Cocina, and Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California.


Bay Area Weekend Highs
Warmest day should be Saturday.

Coast: low-60s

SF: upper-60s

Bay: mid-70s

South Bay: mid-80s

North Bay: mid-80s

Inland East Bay: upper-80s

Movies {domestic revenues for August 19-21}
1. The Help (PG-13): $20.0 million [2690 theatres; $7,442 per theatre; $71.3 million overall; 2nd weekend]
3. Spy Kids: All the Time in the World (PG): $11.6 million [3295 theatres; $3,534 per theatre]

4. Conan the Barbarian (R): $10.0 million [3015 theatres; $3,324 per theatre]

5. The Smurfs (PG): $7.8 million [3057 theatres; $2,552 per theatre; $117.5 million overall; 4th weekend]

6. Fright Night (R): $7.7 million [3114 theatres; $2,477 per theatre]

9. One Day (PG-13): $5.1 million [1719 theatres; $2,955 per theatre]

Mainstream films:
- Colombiana (PG-13): Thriller; co-starring Zoe Saldana

- Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (R): Horror remake; co-starring Katie Holmes and Guy Pearce

- Our Idiot Brother (R): Comedy; co-starring Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer, and Steve Coogan

Art-house films:
- Brighton Rock (NR): Thriller; co-starring Helen Mirren and John Hurt

- The Hedgehog (NR): Drama

- Motherland (NR): Documentary

- Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure (NR): Documentary

- !Women Art Revolution (NR): Documentary

Free Weekend Activities

Arts N Eats [Thu 4:30-7:30pm]: Reception with food from Brown Sugar Kitchen and Limon Rotisserie, tour the new Fresh & Easy grocery store, and check out local work from SF Artist Guild individuals. At 5800 3rd St. (SF). http://artsandeatsat5800third.eventbrite.com

*** Rupa and the April Fishes concert [Thu 6pm]: Global music at its finest. Check them out! At Union Square Park (SF). www.sfjazz.org

2012 - The Musical [Thu 7pm, Sat-Sun 3pm, Wed 7pm]: The SF Mime Troupe returns with an exploration of corporate commissions. At Montclair Field (Thu), San Lorenzo Park (Sat-Sun), and Mill Valley Community Center (Wed). www.sfmt.org

Critical Mass [Fri 5:30pm]: Drivers be forewarned. Starts at Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.sfcriticalmass.org

*** Indie Industries store opening party [Fri 6-9pm]: Score free gift cards, custom t-shirts, and sunglasses. Then chow down at the tapas and dessert bar. At Indie Industries in the Castro (SF). www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=177233985656926

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Check out 3 Leg Torso, fair-trade bazaar, artist studio hosted by Red Poppy Art House, and mixed-media works by Todd Brown. At the de Young (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8pm]: 20th annual. Harold and Maude on Friday and Mary Poppins on Saturday, both at San Anselmo's Creek Park. Roman Holiday on Saturday at SF's Union Square Plaza. www.filmnight.org

Dancing Under the Stars [Fri 8:30-10pm]: Final weekend. Salsa lessons, followed by a live band. At Jack London Square (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

Oakland Chinatown Streetfest [Sat-Sun 10am-5:30pm]: 24th annual. U.S. Shaolin Kung Fu, Foreverland (Michael Jackson cover band), and Great Wall Youth Orchestra are the featured performers. In Oakland Chinatown. www.oaklandchinatownstreetfest.com

Palo Alto Festival of the Arts [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: 30th annual. Kinetic sculpture garden, Italian street painting, and the kids' art studio are among the highlights. Along University Ave. www.mlaproductions.com/PaloAlto

J-Pop Summit Festival 2011 [Sat-Sun 11am-6pm]: Bay Area and Japanese bands, fashion show and contest, live DJs, and more. At Japantown Peace Plaza (SF). www.newpeopleworld.com/festival-2011

SF Reggae Festival [Sat 11am-6pm]: Jamaican cuisine, live music, and artisans. At Fillmore Center Plaza (SF). www.sfreggaefest.com

Korean Day 2011 [Sat 11am-4pm]: 19th annual. With Korean food, song, dance, taekwondo, and drum performances. In Union Square Plaza (SF). www.sfkorean.com

Brentwood Festival [Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-6pm]: 10th annual. Two entertainment stages, kids' activities, local students' art exhibits, and local microbrews. At the Streets of Brentwood. www.brentwoodartsociety.net

Marin History Museum Family Day [Sat 11am-4pm]: Check out the historical galleries, Color Guard ceremony, and other special activities celebrating the latest exhibition, "Marin at War." At Marin History Museum (San Rafael). www.marinhistory.org

Italian Family Festa [Sat noon-9pm, Sun noon-6pm]: 31st annual. Bocce ball, grape stomp, Italian foods, and live entertainment. At Guadalupe River Park (San Jose). www.iahfsj.org

Meklit Hadero concert [Sat 1pm]: Ethiopian-born, US-raised. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Really Really Free Market [Sat 1-6pm]: Exchange things for free. At Dolores Park (SF). www.reallyreallyfree.org

*** Brunch cooking class with Baker & Banker [Sat 2pm]: French toast bread pudding and Eggs in Purgatory will be featured for this cooking demo with Baker and Banker's Lori Baker and Jeff Banker. At Macy's Union Square Cellar (SF). www.macys.com

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat-Sun 7:30pm]: Cymbeline. At Cupertino's Memorial Park Amphitheater. www.sfshakes.org

Rohnert Park Festival [Sun 10am-6pm]: 1st annual. An entertainment stage, local artisans, and craft food purveyors. At Rohnert Park Community Center. www.rpcity.org

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1pm]: 129th season. Theme: Ukrainian-American Day. At the Music Concourse (SF).www.goldengateparkband.org

Randy's Guide CCLIII (253)

Back after a one-week hiatus, the first break since 2009!

Historic milestones: 22 years since the last nation to open its Iron Curtain (Hungary); 61 years since the first black player in international tennis (Althea Gibson); 91 years since the ratification of the 19th Amendment (women's right to vote); 147 years since the formation of the Red Cross; and 180 years since Nat Turner's slave rebellion.

Local Food Pick

A La Turca

869 Geary St. (at Larkin St.)

San Francisco, CA 94109

A La Turca

Yelp - A La Turca

It's a sit-down dive, but the pides and doners (similar to gyros or shawarmas) are excellent value. The location is proximate to trendy bars, indie shops, and the massive AMC Van Ness. 396 reviews - 4 stars.

Previous picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Asmara; Katana-Ya; Bouchon Bakery.

Change for Change

Charity: The Bike Kitchen. Winning community awards since 2004, this nonprofit is entirely run by volunteers who teach people how to fix their own bicycles. Riders can rent tools and get on-site help for a daily $5 rate, or $40-80 annual fee (or six volunteer hours). The organization even has made sizable financial assistance this year to both CELLspace and Lyon-Martin Health Services. Address is 650H Florida, San Francisco CA 94110. www.bikekitchen.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, 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, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, La Cocina, and Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California.


Bay Area Weekend Highs

The weather hasn't changed in weeks it seems! Morning fog, afternoon breezes, cool coast, warm inland.

Coast: upper-50s

SF: mid-60s

Bay: low-70s

North Bay: low-80s

South Bay: low-80s

Inland East Bay: mid-80s

Movies {domestic revenues for August 12-14}

1. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (PG-13): $27.8 million [3691 theatres; $7,541 per theatre; $105.2 million overall; 2nd weekend]

2. The Help (PG-13): $26.0 million [2534 theatres; $10,278 per theatre]

3. Final Destination 5 (R): $18.0 million [3155 theatres; $5,715 per theatre]

5. 30 Minutes or Less (R): $13.3 million [2888 theatres; $4,616 per theatre]

10. The Change-Up (R): $6.3 million [2913 theatres; $2,165 per theatre; $25.8 million overall; 2nd weekend]

11. Glee: The 3D Concert Movie (PG): $6.0 million [2040 theatres; $2,922 per theatre]

Mainstream films:

- Conan the Barbarian (R): Fantasy action

- Fright Night (R): Comedy remake; co-starring Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, and Toni Collette

- One Day (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess

- Spy Kids: All the Time in the World (PG): Family sequel; co-starring Antonio Banderas and Jessica Alba; directed by Robert Rodriguez

Art-house films:

- Amigo (NR): Drama; co-starring Chris Cooper; directed by John Sayles

- The Arbor (NR): Documentary

- Bellflower (R): Action

- The Future (R): Drama; co-starring Miranda July

- Griff the Invisible (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Ryan Kwanten

- Gun Hill Road (R): Drama

- Senna (PG-13): Documentary

- Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness (NR): Documentary

Free Weekend Activities

JLS Outdoor Movie Night [Thu 7:30pm]: Dinner for Schmucks. At Jack London Square's East Lawn (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Check out Brazilian performers Alessandro dos Santos Penezzi and Alexandre Ribeiro, a special Picasso lecture, artist studio hosted by Red Poppy Art House, and mixed-media works by Todd Brown. At the de Young (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8pm]: 20th annual. Cinema Paradiso on Friday and To Kill a Mockingbird on Saturday, both at San Anselmo's Creek Park. www.filmnight.org

Dancing Under the Stars [Fri 8:30-10pm]: Salsa lessons, followed by a live band. At Jack London Square (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

*** San Francisco Street Food Festival [Sat 11am-7pm]: 3rd annual. It's a craze - and food movement - that's only gained momentum since 2009, the festival's first year. Top vendors include Flour + Water, Commonwealth, Bi-Rite Creamery, Hapa Ramen, and Curry Up Now. Rye on the Road is offering specialty cocktails. Along Folsom St., between 22nd and 26th St. (SF) www.sfstreetfoodfest.com

Assyrian Food Festival [Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-8pm]: 19th annual. Try some exotic beverages and kabobs, or enjoy the live music and entertainment. At Assyrian Church of the East (San Jose). www.assyrianfest.com

San Jose Pride [Sat 11am-7pm]: 36th annual. Children's activities, Women's Stage, DJ Tent, and numerous LGBT vendors. At Discovery Meadow (San Jose). www.sanjosepride.com

Brazil in the Gardens [Sat 1pm]: Features the California Brazil Camp All-Stars. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Waikiki Paradise Festival [Sat 2-10pm]: It'll be chilly, but you'll have the opportunity to make ti leaf bracelets, cheer on hula groups, and watch Blue Hawaii. At Japantown Peace Plaza (SF). www.sfjapantown.org

2012 - The Musical [Sat-Sun 2pm]: The SF Mime Troupe returns with an exploration of corporate commissions. At SF's Washington Square Park (Sat), and SF's Yerba Buena Gardens (Sun). www.sfmt.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat-Sun 7:30pm]: Cymbeline. At Cupertino's Memorial Park Amphitheater. www.sfshakes.org

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1pm]: 129th season. Theme: St. Stephen's Day (Hungary). At the Music Concourse (SF).www.goldengateparkband.org

*** Stern Grove - San Francisco Opera [Sun 2pm]: Mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick is the featured singer, but she'll be joined by several other performers as well as the SF Opera Orchestra. Arrive early! At Stern Grove (SF). www.sterngrove.org

Randy's Guide CCLII (252)

Historic milestones: 23 years since the first night game at Wrigley Field, the final baseball team to do so; 49 years since the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela; 81 years since the cartoon debut of Betty Boop; 157 years since the publication of Thoreau's Walden; and 218 years since the opening of the Louvre.

Local Food Pick

Bouchon Bakery

6528 Washington St. (at Yount St.)

Yountville, CA 94599

Bouchon Bakery

Yelp - Bouchon Bakery

Thomas Keller's food empire started in 1994, with the opening of the famed French Laundry. Bouchon, Per Se, and Ad Hoc have followed with critical acclaim. You can get a peek into this gourmet world with a quick jaunt up to his bakery in Yountville (or Vegas or Manhattan). Be prepared to indulge your sweet tooth! 4-1/2 stars - 1012 reviews in Yountville; 4 stars - 374 reviews in Las Vegas; 4 stars - 624 reviews in New York.

Previous picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Asmara; Katana-Ya.

Change for Change

Charity: The Bike Kitchen. Winning community awards since 2004, this nonprofit is entirely run by volunteers who teach people how to fix their own bicycles. Riders can rent tools and get on-site help for a daily $5 rate, or $40-80 annual fee (or six volunteer hours). The organization even has made sizable financial assistance this year to both CELLspace and Lyon-Martin Health Services. Address is 650H Florida, San Francisco CA 94110. www.bikekitchen.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, 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, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, La Cocina, and Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California.


Bay Area Weekend Highs

The intense coastal drizzle should last through Sunday, when things clear up a bit.

~ THU-SAT ~

Coast: upper-50s

SF: low-60s

Bay: upper-60s

South Bay: mid-70s

North Bay: upper-70s

Inland East Bay: low-80s

~ SUN ~

Coast: upper-60s

SF: low-70s

Bay: low-70s

South Bay: upper-70s

North Bay: upper-70s

Inland East Bay: upper-70s

Movies {domestic revenues for July 29-31}

1. Cowboys & Aliens (PG-13): $36.4 million [3750 theatres; $9,715 per theatre]

2. The Smurfs (PG): $35.6 million [3395 theatres; $10,489 per theatre]

5. Crazy, Stupid, Love. (PG-13): $19.1 million [3020 theatres; $6,326 per theatre]

7. Horrible Bosses (R): $7.2 million [2510 theatres; $2,864 per theatre; $96.3 million overall; 4th weekend]

15. Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG): $0.7 million [319 theatres; $2,076 per theatre; $161.7 million overall; 10th weekend]

Mainstream films:

- The Change-Up (R): Comedy; co-starring Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman

- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (PG-13): Sci-fi sequel; co-starring James Franco, John Lithgow, and Brian Cox

Art-house films:

- Between Two Worlds (NR): Drama

- Crime After Crime (NR): Documentary

- The Devil's Double (R): Drama; co-starring Dominic Cooper

- The Guard (R): Comedy; co-starring Don Cheadle and Brendan Gleeson

- Magic Trip (R): Documentary

- Pianomania (NR): Documentary

- Sarah's Key (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Aidan Quinn

Randy's DVD Pick: Unstoppable (PG-13): Sound-effects-laden action, combined with decent acting from Denzel Washington and Chris Pine, make for a heart-thumping time. Even better, I remember when this story about an unmanned freight train hit the news in 2001. Domestic box office: $81.6 million; foreign: $86.2 million.

Free Weekend Activities

Illusions of Grandeur opening reception [Thu 5pm]: With works by Lee Harvey Roswell and Nome Edonna. At 111 Minna (SF). www.111minnagallery.com

Dredg concert [Thu 6pm]: The Los Gatos-based band will perform, along with Bay Area locals The Holdup and Trophy Fire. At Plaza de Cesar Chavez (San Jose). www.sjdowntown.com

2012 - The Musical [Thu 7pm, Sat-Sun 2pm]: The SF Mime Troupe returns with an exploration of corporate commissions. At Oakland's Lakeside Park (Thu), SF's Golden Gate Park Peacock Meadow (Sat), and SF's Glen Park (Sun). www.sfmt.org

JLS Outdoor Movie Night [Thu 7:30pm]: Ratatouille. At Jack London Square's East Lawn (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Live performances by Velocity Circus and Gregangelo, hands-on art making, Peet's tastings, Matisse and Picasso documentary, and Campo Santo showings. At the de Young (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

SF Bike Party [Fri 7:30pm]: Steampunk theme, with a focus on wool. Starts at UN Plaza and heads through the Panhandle, Golden Gate Park, Inner Sunset, West Portal, Parkside, and Ocean Beach. www.sfbikeparty.org

Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8pm]: 20th annual. Gasland on Friday and Toy Story 3 on Saturday, both at San Anselmo's Creek Park. www.filmnight.org

Dancing Under the Stars [Fri 8:30-10pm]: Foxtrot lessons, followed by a live band. At Jack London Square (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

Fremont Festival of the Arts [Sat 10am-6pm]: 28th annual. Three entertainment stages, 700+ artisans, gourmet marketplace, and more. Along Paseo Padre Parkway (Fremont). www.fremontfestival.net

Dub-Step Fillmore Festival [Sat 10am-6:30pm]: Two live stages featuring Bay Area dub-step and reggae DJs. At Gene Suttle Plaza and Fillmore Center Plaza (SF). www.dubfillmorefest.com

Summer Gardening Fair [Sat 10am-3pm]: 13th annual. Butterfly exhibits, local organizations, gardening demos, and more. At SF Botanical Garden. www.sfbotanicalgardensociety.org

Noriega Street Fair [Sat 11am-4pm]: 2nd annual. Cooking demos, food samples, children's activities, and more. Near Noriega St. and 31st Ave. (SF).

East Bay Hella Free Day [Sat noon-4pm]: It's the sister event of Dolores Park's Really Really Free Market. At Lake Merritt Amphitheater (Oakland). www.reallyreallyfree.org

AfroSolo's Jazz in the Gardens [Sat 1pm]: Features Jerome Clay Ensemble and Ranzel Merritt Quartet. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Center Street Summer Cinema Series [Sat 6-10pm]: Live entertainers, costume contest, and The Princess Bride. At the Bank of America parking lot (Berkeley). www.downtownberkeley.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat-Sun 7:30pm]: Cymbeline. Closing weekend at Pleasanton's Community Park. www.sfshakes.org

Asian Art Museum [Sun 10am-5pm]: www.asianart.org

** Oakland Museum of California [Sun 11am-5pm]: Check out this cutting-edge museum that focuses on art, history, and science of California. Michael McMillen's phenomenal installation exhibits are ending August 14. www.museumca.org

** San Francisco Theater Festival [Sun 11am-5pm]: 8th annual. 100+ shows at 12+ venues. At Fort Mason Center (SF). www.sftheaterfestival.org

Jerry Day [Sun 11am-5pm]: 9th annual. Live music celebrating Jerry Garcia. At Jerry Garcia Amphitheater (SF). www.jerryday.org

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1pm]: 129th season. Theme: John Philip Sousa. At the Music Concourse (SF).www.goldengateparkband.org

** Stern Grove - Aaron Neville [Sun 2pm]: The R&B artist behind such hits as "Everybody Plays the Fool" and "Don't Know Why" (with Linda Ronstadt) stops by SF. With Quinn Deveaux and the Blue Beat Revue opening. At Stern Grove (SF). www.sterngrove.org

Tango in the Square [Sun 2pm]: Free lessons, followed by live performance and open dance floor. At Union Square Plaza (SF). www.jewelssf.org

San Francisco Mayor Debate [Mon 7pm]: Catch nine mayoral candidates in a conversation with KPIX Eye on the Bay host, Liam Mayclem. At Castro Theatre (SF). www.evna.org

Crosscut performance [Wed 6pm]: Mix of blues and rock. At Union Square Plaza (SF). www.jewelssf.org