Who’s in town
Jackeline Rago: The virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, who specializes in the folkloric music of Venezuela, performs at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts as part of its “New Frequencies” series. Beat boxer Steve Hogan shares the bill. [6 to 8 p.m., 701 Mission St., S.F.]
Lectures
China discussion: Experts discuss how a faltering global economy will affect political stability and human rights in China. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Travel talk: Golden Gate Audubon Society presents “Birds and Buddhism in the Land of the Thunder Dragon,” a lecture about the mountain kingdom of Bhutan. [7:30 p.m., First Unitarian Universalist Center, 1187 Franklin St., S.F.]
Literary events
Peter Coyote: The actor and writer reads from “Sleeping Where I Fall.” [7:30 p.m., Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., S.F.]
Cheryl Dumesnil: The poet reads from “In Praise of Falling.” [7 p.m., Modern Times Bookstore, 888 Valencia St., S.F.]
At the colleges
Art show: Students show community art projects that they developed in El Salvador and Costa Rica in “ComuniCarte,” an exhibit opening today. [Noon to 4 p.m., SFSU, Fine Arts Building, Room 286, 1600 Holloway Ave., S.F.]
At the public library
Neighborhood history: Richmond District native and historian John Freeman presents an armchair tour focusing on the evolution of the neighborhood. [7 p.m., Richmond Branch, 351 Ninth Ave., S.F.]
Opera film series: “La Fanciulla del West (The Girl of the Golden West)” screens today. [Noon, Main Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Local activities
Science social: The Academy of Sciences hosts “Nightlife.” Look for DJ Mozaic, a screening of Ken Burns’ “The National Parks,” and a “Climate Watch” presentation, this week. [6 to 10 p.m., Golden Gate Park, S.F.]
Midday music: Nader DeAik, who composes a fusion of Middle Eastern, Spanish, reggae, pop, rock, and other rhythms, performs at Yerba Buena Gardens. [12:30 p.m., Mission Street between Third and Fourth streets, S.F.]
Birthday bash: Foreign Cinema restaurant hosts a 10th-anniversary party, benefiting DrawBridge. Signature appetizers, drinks, and entertainment are on the bill. [6 p.m. onward, 2534 Mission St., S.F.; info/tickets: (415) 648-7600]
Dining out
Midi: Chef Michelle Mah serves adaptations of popular brasserie classics with a California touch. Recommended today is the grilled pork chop with grilled yellow peaches, haricots verts, rucola, Marcona almonds, fromage blanc, and peach and sherry vinaigrette. [185 Sutter St., S.F. (415) 835-6400]
