Who’s in town
Australian singer-songwriter Gotye brings his “Making Mirrors” tour to San Francisco. [8 p.m., Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 99 Grove St., S.F.]
Lectures
Kamala Harris: California’s attorney general appears in an onstage conversation with journalist Farai Chideya. [7 p.m., Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum, 701 Mission St., S.F.]
Journalism today: International journalists from the John S. Knight Fellows Program at Stanford discuss the challenges of reporting on important news stories. [7:30 p.m., Los Altos Youth Center, 1 South San Antonio Road, Los Altos]
State tax revolt: “What Comes Next?” is the theme of Part 3 of a three-part discussion series on California’s Proposition 13, passed in 1978. Speakers include Assessor-Recorder Phil Ting. [12:30 p.m., SPUR, 654 Mission St., S.F.]
Holocaust museums: Speakers discuss how newly constructed Holocaust museums are shaping the memory and meaning of the Holocaust. [7 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.; RSVP: (415) 292-1233]
Literary events
Nancy L. Cohen: The author and historian talks about “Delirium.” [7 p.m., Modern Times Bookstore, 2919 24th St., S.F.]
Two fiction writers: Debut novelist Melanie Thorne celebrates “Hand Me Down,” talking with Pam Houston, whose new novel is “Contents May Have Shifted.” [7:30 p.m., Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., S.F.]
At the colleges
A cappella group: The a cappella quartet Anonymous 4, celebrating its silver anniversary, performs a concert featuring favorite works from the group’s career. [8 p.m., Memorial Church, Stanford University, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford]
David Hayes-Bautista: The author discusses the history of the Cinco de Mayo holiday and why it is celebrated more widely in the United States than in Mexico. [5 p.m., Towers Conference Room, SFSU, 1600 Holloway Ave., S.F.]
At the public library
National Poetry Month: U.S. Poet laureate and Pulitzer Prize recipient Kay Ryan reads from her work. [6:30 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Local activities
Rock show: Seattle’s R&B-infused rock band Branden Daniel & The Chics plays on a bill with the Dig-Its and Cellar Doors. [9:30 p.m., Elbo Room, 647 Valencia St., S.F.]
Stand-up show: Comedian Dan Gabriel performs at the Punch Line. His TV credits include “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson” and “Premium Blend.” [8 p.m., Punch Line Comedy Club, 444 Battery St., S.F.]
Photo exhibit: Photographer Tina E. Panziera presents her “San Francisco Earthquake Survivors Portfolio,” which features the photos and stories of 16 people who survived the 1906 earthquake. [9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Building A, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, S.F.]
Historic ceremony: VIPs and master of ceremonies Bob Sarlatte kick off the 106th annual 1906 San Francisco Great Earthquake and Fire wreath laying and commemoration. [5 a.m., Lotta’s Fountain, Market Street at Kearny, Third and Geary streets, S.F.]
Dining out
Bluestem Brasserie: The steaks, made from grass-fed beef, are recommended today. Look for the roasted half chicken with rosemary and garlic jus, served with crispy spinach and macaroni and cheese. [1 Yerba Buena Lane, S.F.; (415) 547-1111]
