On the Cheap listings by Whitney Kidd. Submit items for the listings at listings@sfbg.com. For further information on how to submit items for the listings, see Picks.
ONGOING
"Alcatraz: Life on the Rock" Hyatt Regency, 5 Embarcadero Center, SF. www.sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com. Through Oct. 25, free. For those for whom a $30 ferry ticket is not an option, this 3,000-square-foot exhibit aptly showcases the prison’s fascinating history and infamous inmates. Installations include "Preserving the Rock," which highlights the island’s current status as a national park and "Military History," that examines the island’s role as a Civil War-era fortress and military prison.
WEDNESDAY 12
Linda Tucker Book Passage 1 Ferry Building, SF. www.whitelions.org. 6-7:30pm, free. South African lion conservationist Linda Tucker is in the Bay Area promoting and reading from her second book, Saving the White Lions: One Woman’s Battle for Africa’s Most Sacred Animal. Tucker has successfully re-wilded three prides of white lions and her nonprofit Global White Lion Protection Trust is conserving cultural significance of this legendary animal.
Ricardo Scales The Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, 999 California, SF. www.topofthemark.com. 6:30-11:30pm. $5 cover. Redefining smooth jazz for 11 years, Ricardo Scales will be performing at the Top of the Mark Sky Lounge, known for its panoramic view of the city. This Bay Area Music Awards-nominated pianist has 11 CDs to his credit and has performed for four U.S. presidents.
The Capitalism Papers: Fatal Flaws of an Obsolete System 1644 Haight, SF. www.booksmith.com. 7:30pm. Anti-globalization advocate Jerry Mander explores and expands on the inevitable failures of capitalism.
THURSDAY 13
"99% Gay Comedy" Esta Noche, 3079 16th St., SF. www.comedybodega.com. 8pm, free with one drink minimum. Come celebrate SF Pride at the only gay Latino bar and drag club in the city — recently rescued from financial ruin by a strong showing of local support — which is hosting performances by prominent LGBT comics from the Bay Area, Portland, and New York. This week’s line-up includes Marilyn Pittman, Pippi Lovestocking, Bob Mcintyre, Julia Jackson, and Justin O’Neil.
FRIDAY 14
"Night Visions: Dreams And Creatures Of The Night" Big Umbrella Studios, 906 Divisadero, SF. www.paintpensinpurses.com. 7-11pm, free with RSVP to www.facebook.com/paintpensinpurses. Divisadero’s sweet, small art collective presents its newest show featuring 14 artists from the Paint Pens in Purses, whose goal is to create a community, and bring artists together. Complimentary drinks for early birds and music by local bass label, Brap Dem Recordings.
Dancing Under the Stars Jack London Square, Broadway and Embarcadero, Oakl. 8:30-10pm, free. From established dancers to novice learners, everyone is invited to an evening of lessons lead by the Linden Street Dance Studio followed by a dance party to show off the sweet moves you’ve learned. Each week will feature a different style of dance including salsa, cha-cha, and swing.
Burning Man 2013 Desert Arts Preview Koret Auditorium, de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden, SF. www.deyoung.famsf.org. 6-8:30pm, free. Can’t wait three months for a dose of playa magic? At this annual event, you will hear from artists who are creating revolutionary works of art, often in radically collaborative ways. This is also a perfect opportunity to learn how you can become involved and support at Burning Man.
SATURDAY 15
North Beach Festival North Beach neighborhood, SF. 10am-6pm, free. www.sresproductions.com. Beer gardens for adults and chalk areas for the kids, set to the tune of live music. With over 150 arts and crafts booths and 20 gourmet food booths, the North Beach Festival has it all — including the beloved blessing of the animals ritual at the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi.
Jeremy Mann 750 Post, SF. www.johnpence.com. 6-8pm, free. Jeremy Mann’s fourth exhibit with the gallery encompasses a combination of grit and beauty found in cityscapes and figures, and urban milieu depicted with his signature, virtuosic flair.
SUNDAY 16
The Forum: a Conversation with Author Nora Gallagher Grace Cathedral, 1100 California, SF. www.Gracecathedral.com. 9:30-10:30am, free. Author Nora Gallagher is interviewed by the Very Rev. Dr. Jane Shaw about her new book The Moonlight Sonata at the Mayo Clinic, a memoir that explores her experience with a baffling affliction poised that took her sight.
MONDAY 17
Subnational Conflicts in Asia: Can Foreign Aid Help? 312 Sutter, SF. www.worldaffairs.org. 6:30-8pm, $5-$15. Members of the Asia Foundation will speak on subnational conflict in Asia, the most widespread and longest running armed struggle in the world. The panel will discuss findings in a new study, assessing the impact – or lack thereof – of international assistance to these areas.
TUESDAY 18
Nutrition & Breast Cancer Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1600 Divisadero, SF. www.cancer.ucsf.edu. 5:15-7pm, free, registration required. Geared towards people with cancer and open to health educators, clinicians, staff, and community, this is a great opportunity to learn the latest research on nutrition and breast cancer and how to better meet your nutritional needs at this event hosted by the UCSF Cancer Resource Center.