TUESDAY, AUG. 15
Circus: SF Camerawork’s annual juried exhibition, which features images by 17 local, national and international photographers examining the meaning, history, and symbolism of the circus, is on view through Saturday. [Noon to 6 p.m., SF Camerawork, 1011 Market St., second floor, S.F.]
Riding the Beast: “MONTARlaBestia,” a show of art and poetry describing “La Bestia” — a train that carries up to 500,000 Central American migrants each year on a dangerous journey across Mexico toward a new life in the U.S — is on display through Sept. 29. [1 to 5 p.m., Center for Latin American Studies, UC Berkeley, 2334 Bowditch St., Berkeley]
Fifth Harmony: Ally Brooke, Normani Kordei, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui of the multi-platinum-selling pop group sign copies of their new, self-titled album. [7 p.m., Hard Rock Cafe, 256 Pier 39 Concourse, S.F.]
Steven M. Druker: The attorney and author of “Altered Genes, Twisted Truth: How the Venture to Genetically Engineer Our Food Has Subverted Science, Corrupted Government, and Systematically Deceived the Public” elaborates on the health risks of genetically modified organisms. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 555 Post St., S.F.]
Corbett Joan O’Toole: The California-based disability rights activist reads from her new book “Fading Scares, My Queer Disability History.” [6:30 p.m., Learning Studio, Main Library, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Al Franken: The U.S. senator and former comedy writer appears in a sold-out City Arts & Lectures presentation. [7:30 p.m., Nourse, 275 Hayes St., S.F.]
JetBlue Soar with Reading: Attendees at the summer reading celebration may vote for a chance to get free books, enjoy ice cream scoops from Double Rainbow and meet author Judd Winick of the Hilo graphic novel series. [1 to 3 p.m., Books, Inc., 2251 Chestnut St., S.F.]
Margaret Glaspy: (((folkyeah))) presents the indie, folk, pop singer songwriter, headlining a bill with Liza Anne. [8 p.m., Chapel, 777 Valencia St., S.F.]
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16
Cody Johnson: The country traditionalist from Texas, a former prison guard, is hitting the big time with his new, sixth album, “Gotta Be Me.” [8 p.m., Slim’s, 333 11th St., S.F.]
San Francisco Improv Fest: The 13th annual five-day event focused on the wacky art of improvisation opens with a party, followed by separately ticketed performances: “Flash Mob Musical” by Odell & DeJong, “Euro Trash” by American Improv Theatre and SJ Comedy Sportz with Un-Scripted Theater Co & Danger:us! [6 p.m., PianoFight 144 Taylor St., S.F.]
Civil Roots: The rising indie alt-rock band from Philadelphia (fusing heavy guitars, synths, pop vocals, and rapping) is promoting its third full-length album, “Conversations.” [8 p.m., Bottom of the Hill, 1233 17th St., S.F.]
Washed Out: Producer, singer and songwriter Ernest Greene’s new album “Mister Mellow” finds him returning to his sample-based roots that launched his career. [8 p.m., Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland]
Bonnie and Clyde: TCM host Ben Mankiewicz offers commentary during a 50th anniversary big-screen presentation of the classic starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, which paved the for films like “Natural Born Killers,” “The Fast and the Furious” and “Baby Driver.” [2 and 7 p.m., AMC Van Ness, 1000 Van Ness Ave., S.F; Century 9 SF Centre, 845 Market St., S.F.]
Zenith: SF Playhouse’s Sandbox Series opens previews of its premiere by Kristen Greenridge, who wrote it after being intrigued by the true story of a woman who drove down the wrong way of a highway, causing a collision that killed herself, her children and others. [7 p.m., ACT Costume Shop, 1119 Market St., S.F.]
Mulatu Astatke: The Ethiopian musician and arranger also known as “the father of Ethio-jazz” headlines a bill with delightful Ethiopian-born, Oakland-based singer-songwriter Meklit. [8 p.m., UC Theatre, 2036 University Ave., Berkeley]
311: The eclectic veteran rockers from Nebraska are promoting their 12th album “Mosaic.” [8 p.m., City National Civic, 135 W San Carlos St, San Jose]
