Who’s in town
Gerald McDermott, illustrator and author of award-winning picture books based on folklore and mythology, gives the San Francisco Public Library’s annual Effie Lee Morris lecture, an event established to expand on the idea of looking at children through their literature. [6 p.m. Koret Auditorium, Main Library, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Lectures
Energy talks: The Commonwealth Club hosts a double bill of energy-themed talks: “The Future of Energy,” with Duke Energy’s Jim Rogers (10 a.m.); and “Energy Policy: What’s Next?” (11:30 a.m.), with three speakers. [595 Market St., S.F.]
Matt Bannick: The Omidyar Network managing partner discusses how his company is helping entrepreneurs succeed. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Anatol Lieven: The London-based professor discusses Pakistan and the social, economic, religious, and military structures that he believes make that country tougher than many believe. [6 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
Rick Gilbert: The founder of PowerSpeaking Inc. discusses his method for commanding an audience’s attention at a business meeting. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Carlo Aonzo: The classical-mandolin proponent discusses the instrument and demonstrates the music it makes. [7 p.m., Museo ItaloAmericano, Building C, Fort Mason Center, S.F.; RSVP: (415) 673-2200]
Literary events
Maggie Lemere and Zoe West: The editors of “Nowhere to Be Home: Narratives From Survivors of Burma’s Military Regime” discuss the book. [7 p.m., Books Inc., 601 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Charles Souby: The debut novelist talks about “Winifred.” [7:30 p.m., Books Inc., 2275 Market St., S.F.]
At the colleges
Music master class: Janet See, a leading performer on the baroque flute, conducts a master class. [7:30 p.m., San Francisco Conservatory of Music, 50 Oak St., S.F.]
At the public library
Library tour: The results of the Main Library’s $6 million first-floor facelift are a focus of this tour of the Civic Center facility. [Noon; meet at information desk, first-floor atrium, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Homework help: Volunteers assist K-7 students with homework assignments. [4 to 6 p.m., Mission Branch, 300 Bartlett St., S.F.]
Local activities
Fundraiser for Japan: “Hope to Japan” benefits the Japanese Red Cross’ earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. The evening features food from top restaurants, plus wine and spirits. [6 to 9 p.m., Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St., S.F.]
World music: Malian Afro-pop and world-music singer-songwriter Salif Keita performs at Yoshi’s. [8 and 10 p.m., 1330 Fillmore St., S.F.]
String quartet: The Carducci String Quartet performs works by Beethoven and Dvorak. Noontime Concerts presents the program. [12:30 p.m., Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St., S.F.]
Painters and pitchers: The George Krevsky Gallery presents “The Fine Art of Baseball,” its annual exhibit of artwork depicting the national pastime. Works by 33 artists are on view. [11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 77 Geary St., S.F.]
Dining out
Ponzu: Chef Adam Carpenter cooks the cuisine of Asia, with local ingredients figured in. He recommends a pair of dishes containing asparagus from Zuckerman’s Farm today. First up is asparagus with tempura lemon and fennel salad. Second, in the entree arena, is an Angus flatiron steak, served with asparagus and truffle potato pave. [401 Taylor St., S.F.; (415) 775-7979]
