Who’s in town
Indian dancer Shantala Shivalingappa, a master of the ancient Indian dance form Kuchipudi, makes her San Francisco debut. Musicians from India join her. [8 p.m., Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Lectures
Healthy San Francisco: Health officials discuss the future of universal health care in The City. [12:30 p.m., SPUR, 654 Mission St., S.F.]
Robert Redford: The actor-activist appears in conversation. The “Art of Activism” event also honors the work of local leaders Victor Diaz and Avery Hale. [7 p.m., Sundance Kabuki Cinema, 1881 Post St., S.F.; ticket info: www.redfordcenter.org]
Literary events
Canyon Sam: The writer, performer and activist reads from “Sky Train: Tibetan Women on the Edge of History.” [7 p.m., Modern Times Bookstore, 888 Valencia St., S.F.]
Terry Castle: The critic and cultural commentator talks about “The Professor and Other Writings.” [7:30 p.m., Books Inc., 2275 Market St., S.F.]
At the colleges
Chancellor’s Concert Series: The Afiara String Quartet performs works by Briseno, Puccini and Beethoven. [Noon, UCSF, Cole Hall, 513 Parnassus Ave., S.F.]
At the public library
Teen writing workshop: “Creative Media Writing for Teens,” conducted by WritersCorp, explores how to express yourself via outlets such as videos, cartoons and pop songs. [4:30 p.m., Ingleside Branch, 1298 Ocean Ave., S.F.]
Adult job workshop: FORWARD (Focusing on Rewarding Work and Restoring Dignity) session focuses on job-search skills, resume writing and professionalism. [6 p.m., Bayview Branch, 5075 Third St., S.F.]
Local activities
Photography show: Robert Tat Gallery presents “Overlooked,” an exhibit of photographs that possess qualities of beauty or excellence that might not be easily noticed. [11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., 49 Geary St., Suite 211, S.F.]
Indie films: The 2010 San Francisco Independent Film Festival begins. “Wa Do Dem,” a story about a young man’s bumpy journey in Jamaica, is the opening night feature. [7:15 and 9:30 p.m., Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., S.F.]
Sexy science: “Exploratorium After Dark,” a social series at the museum, presents “Sexplorations,” an evening exploring nature’s reproductive strategies. Speakers include author Mary Roach. [6 to 10 p.m., 3601 Lyon St., S.F.]
Dining out
American Box: Located next to Fish & Farm and created by Fish & Farm co-owner Frank Klein and chef Chad Newton, this midday option features fresh, affordable, fast lunches containing local, sustainable ingredients. Newton’s recommended pairing: a No. 2 (“Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger Box”) and a No. 9 (“Bacon Tater Tots and Slaw Box”). [339 Taylor St., S.F., (415) 474-3474, www.americanboxlunch.com]
