Who’s in town
Musical theater and cabaret star Barbara Cook, whose award-winning career stretches back to the 1950s Broadway scene, presents her latest show, “Let’s Fall in Love.” [8 p.m., Rrazz Room, Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St., S.F.]
Lectures
Marc Freedman: The author of “The Big Shift” discusses how baby-boomers are deferring retirement for “encore careers.” [5:15 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Rights activism: Author Michael Long and Atlas Strategies CEO Andrea Shorter discuss 1960s activist and March on Washington organizer Bayard Rustin, and civic engagement today. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Literary events
Joshua Cohen: The New York-based author, in conversation with McSweeney’s Ethan Nosowsky, discusses “Four New Messages.” Litquake’s Epicenter series hosts the event. [7 p.m., Tosca Cafe, 242 Columbus Ave., S.F.]
Book group: The Foreign Intrigue Book Club discusses “The Shape of Water,” by Andrea Camilleri. [7 p.m., Books Inc., 3515 California St., S.F.]
At the colleges
Art show: Seven artists from the faculty of fine art at Leeds College of Art, in England, display their work in “Local Imagination,” an exhibit at the San Francisco Art Institute. [9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 800 Chestnut St., S.F.]
Book discussion: “Winesburg, Ohio,” Sherwood Anderson’s short-story cycle, is the featured book. [Noon, Mechanics’ Institute, 57 Post St., S.F.]
At the public library
Race-themed art: The AfroSolo Arts Festival presents its 2012 art exhibit, “Race: Art Before Answers.” Works by 11 artists are on view. [9 a.m. to 8 p.m., African American Center, Main Library, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
‘Toddler Tales’: The session features books, rhymes and music. [10:15 a.m., Golden Gate Valley Branch, 1801 Green St., S.F.]
Local activities
Jazz artist: Locally based jazz multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Kirk Hamilton performs. [8 p.m., Brick and Mortar Music Hall, 1710 Mission St., S.F.]
Midday music: Noontime Concerts presents a “Piano Month” program. Pianist Sandra Shen performs works by Bach, Mozart, and Schumann. [12:30 p.m., Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St., S.F.]
Community dancing: Redwood City’s Dancing on the Square series hosts an evening of community dancing, plus instruction. This week’s dance form: swing. [6 to 8 p.m., Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City]
Top sails: The America’s Cup World Series, a preseason sailing race with related attractions, kicks off. The America’s Cup Village is open, and practice racing takes place today. [10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Marina Green, 500 Marina Blvd., S.F.]
Comedy show: Comedian Kevin Shea performs a show. His credits include Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend,” HBO’s “Down and Dirty,” and the Montreal Comedy Festival. [8 p.m., Punch Line Comedy Club, 444 Battery St., S.F.]
Surrealist art: “The Book and the Box,” an exhibit featuring seven works by Marcel Duchamp that hover between book, objet d’art, and sculpture, is on view at the Legion of Honor. [9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., 100 34th Ave., S.F.]
Dining out
Bottle Cap: The grilled Hampshire pork chop is recommended today. Roasted peaches, sugar snap peas and white-corn grits complete the meal. Details: www.bottlecapsf.com. [1707 Powell St., S.F.; RSVP: (415) 529-2237 or info@bottlecapsf.com]
