Who's in town
Piano concert: Internationally renowned pianist Daniel Pollack performs a concert of works by Chopin, Liszt, Debussy and other composers. The evening is part of Congregation Emanu-El’s Music at Meyer series. [7:30 p.m., Temple Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F.]
Lectures
‘Monday Night Philosophy’: Robert A. Scott, author of “The Gothic Enterprise,” gives a talk titled “Scholasticism and the Design of the Medieval Gothic Cathedral.” [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Literary events
Rashad Harrison: The debut novelist talks about “Our Man in the Dark.” [7 p.m., Books Inc., 74 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto]
Poetry reading: Canessa Park Reading Series welcomes Norman Fischer (reading from his new book-length poem, “Conflict”), Eric Selland and Marjorie Stein. [7:30 p.m., Canessa Park Gallery, 708 Montgomery St., S.F.]
At the colleges
Visiting artist recital: The University of Texas Faculty Reed Trio performs a program of chamber music. [8 p.m., San Francisco Conservatory of Music, 50 Oak St., S.F.]
Master of Public Health program: Information session is designed for those who are interested in the role of public health leaders and practitioners. [4 p.m., USF, Lone Mountain, Room 203, 2800 Turk Blvd., S.F.; RSVP: tai@usfca.edu]
Local activities
Music documentary: “Everyday Sunshine,” a documentary film about the alternative-rock band Fishbone, is screening at the Roxie Theater. [7:15 and 9:15 p.m., 3117 16th St., S.F.]
Rock band: The Soft White Sixties, a bluesy rock band from San Francisco, perform at Cafe du Nord. [8:30 p.m., 2170 Market St., S.F.]
Lit and laughter: The Monthly Rumpus, featuring readings, music and humor, presents its January show. Featured writers include Andrew Altschul and Adam Johnson. Comedy is by Nato Green. [7 p.m., Make Out Room, 3225 22nd St., S.F.]
Contemporary art: New paintings by New York-based artist Richard Aldrich are on view at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, as part of the museum’s “New Work” series. [11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., 151 Third St., S.F.]
Dining out
Parallel 37: Chef Ron Siegel creates contemporary, unfancy American cuisine at this Nob Hill restaurant and lounge. Recommended appetizers include the short-rib tortellini and the roasted quail. A highlighted entree is the beef rib eye with Yukon Gold potatoes and king-trumpet mushrooms. Also look for the slow-cooked pork with wilted greens and butter beans. [Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton St., S.F.; (415) 773-6168]
