Who’s in town
Mexican singer-songwriter Lila Downs performs selections from her new album, “Pecados y Milagros/Sins and Miracles.” [8 p.m., Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Lectures
Paul Mason: The economics editor of “BBC Newsnight” explores the changes in society and technology that have led to recent democratic revolts and social revolutions. [6 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
‘Nuclear Chessboard’: Statesmen George Shultz, William Perry and Sam Nunn discuss their vision for international security in today’s times. [6 p.m., Mark Hopkins Hotel, Peacock Court, 999 California St., S.F.; www.commonwealthclub.org]
Stephen Shore: The widely published and exhibited photographer discusses his work. [7 p.m., San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third St., S.F.]
Literary events
Richard Mason: The novelist talks about “History of a Pleasure Seeker.” [7:30 p.m., Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., S.F.]
Jim Yardley: The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist talks about “Brave Dragons: A Chinese Basketball Team, an American Coach, and Two Cultures Clashing.” [6 p.m., Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building, S.F.]
Peggy Orenstein: The journalist and women’s issues writer talks about “Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches From the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture.” [7 p.m., Books Inc., 601 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Poetry night: Readers Cafe and Bookstore hosts its Thursday poetry series. Jewelle Gomez and Stephen Kessler are this week’s poets. [6:30 p.m., Building C, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, S.F.]
At the colleges
Chancellor’s Concert Series: Pianist Machiko Kobialka performs works by Beethoven and Liszt. [Noon, Millberry Union Event and Meeting Center, UC San Francisco, 500 Parnassus Ave., S.F.]
At the public library
Documentary film: “Hope on the Street,” a movie about people who have spent time on the streets while living with mental illness, screens. [6 p.m., Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Local activities
Early California music: The Society of California Pioneers hosts a reception for “Singing the Golden State,” an exhibit of sheet music covers and other items relating to early California music. [5 to 7:30 p.m., 300 Fourth St., S.F.]
Israeli dance troupe: Batsheva, a dance company from Israel, presents “MAX,” a performance celebrating the potential of the human body and choreography. [8 p.m., Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard St., S.F.]
Bot spot: NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences presents “Robots! NightLife.” Attractions include the OrbSWARM, a herd of “autonomous beings.” [6 to 10 p.m., 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, S.F.]
German expo tour: DasHaus Tour, a traveling pavilion showcasing German sustainability technology. Events include tours and talks. [All day, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, S.F.; www.sanfrancisco.dashaustour.com]
Acquerello: Chef and co-owner Suzette Gresham-Tognetti and chef de cuisine Mark Pensa cook contemporary Italian food. Appetizers include Parmesan budino with “black-truffle caviar.” [1722 Sacramento St., S.F.; (415) 567-5432]
Music and more
Noise Pop 2012: Indie rockers Built to Spill headline a concert at the Fillmore. [8 p.m., 1805 Geary Blvd., S.F.]
Pop opera: “Up From the Stacks” tells the story of a part-time page who, while retrieving books from the New York Public Library, unwittingly becomes embroiled in vice flourishing in Times Square. [8 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]
Stories in song: Edinburgh Festival favorite Daniel Cainder performs a one-night-only, one-man show, “Jewish Chronicles.” [8 p.m., The Marsh, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley]
At the public library
Fair labor act: The U.S. Department of Labor presents an overview of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Topics include minimum wage and overtime. The talk is in English and Cantonese. [4 p.m., Chinatown Branch, 1135 Powell St., S.F.]
