Who’s in town
Nelly McKay presents “I Want to Live,” her cabaret show based on the 1958 film about death row inmate Barbara Graham. [8 p.m., Rrazz Room, Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St., S.F.]
Lectures
Michael Ellsberg: The author of “The Education of Millionaires” shares insights on the higher-education crisis and the future role self-education will play in career success. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Edward Miguel: The UC Berkeley professor talks about the emerging economies of Africa and how the rise of “south-south cooperation” will affect the global landscape. [Noon, World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
Climate policy: A panel discussion, “From Durban to Rio,” examines international efforts to wean the world off fossil fuels. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Life after redevelopment: Local leaders discuss what the death of redevelopment means for urban development in the Bay Area. [12:30 p.m., SPUR, 654 Mission St., S.F.]
Literary events
Cindy Crabb: The creator of the zine Doris talks about “The Encyclopedia of Doris.” [7 p.m., Modern Times Bookstore, 2919 24th St., S.F.]
Leap Day poetry: Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts hosts “A Leap Forward,” a poetry reading. Featured poets include devorah major, Jack Hirschman, Mary Rudge and others. [7 p.m., MCCLA, 2868 Mission St., S.F.]
Trinie Dalton: The fiction and arts writer reads from “Baby Geisha,” a story collection. [7 p.m., City Lights Bookstore, 261 Columbus Ave., S.F.]
At the colleges
‘Radical Directing’: The lecture series welcomes filmmaker Terry Zwigoff (“Crumb,” “Ghost World”). [7:30 p.m., San Francisco Art Institute, 800 Chestnut St., S.F.]
At the public library
Floral presentation: Local florist Kathleen Dooley demonstrates the art of flower arranging and discusses different cultural meanings of flowers and colors. [7 p.m., Richmond Branch, 351 Ninth Ave., S.F.]
Quilting talk: Quilter and designer Joy-Lily discusses her debut book, “Carefree Quilts,” and her craft. [7 p.m., Bernal Heights Branch, 500 Cortland Ave., S.F.]
Local activities
Marimba master: Scottish virtuoso percussionist Colin Currie appears with the Stanford Philharmonia Orchestra. [8 p.m., Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford University, 471 Lagunita Drive, Stanford]
Leapin’ libations: Cocktails of the Farmers Market series kicks off with an all-female lineup of star bartenders for Lady Leap Year. Guests can enjoy drinks and snacks. [5:30 to 8 p.m., Harry Bridges Plaza, Ferry Building, Market Street at The Embarcadero, S.F.]
Bygone vistas: Archivist and filmmaker Rick Prelinger presents “Lost Landscapes 6,” a program of rare footage of a vanished San Francisco (1910s-1970s). [7:30 p.m., CounterPulse, 1310 Mission St., S.F.]
Mussel up: Local chefs — including Alicia Jenish of the Grand Cafe — vie for top honors in the Grand Cafe Mussel Battle. Diners can taste the mussels and help decide the winner. Proceeds benefit Glide. [5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Grand Cafe, 501 Geary St., S.F.; www.grandcafe-sf.com]
Dining out
Aziza: Chef Mourad Lahlou creates Moroccan food and showcases organic produce and free-range meats from local farms. A grain-based entree, green farro, is recommended today. [5800 Geary Blvd., S.F.; (415) 752-2222]
