Who’s in town

Author, historian, and Pulitzer Prize recipient Robert Massie talks about his new book, “Catherine the Great.” [7 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]

Lectures

Chris Dodd: The Motion Picture Association of America CEO discusses why technology and creative communities are vital to the economic well-being of their industries, consumers and the nation. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]

Art history: Surrealism, and some of the 20th-century art movement’s major players, is the topic of a docent lecture. [1 p.m., Legion of Honor, 100 34th Ave., S.F.]

Literary events

Scott Hutchins: The novelist launches “A Working Theory of Love.” [7:30 p.m., Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., S.F.]

Antoine Wilson: The novelist talks about “Panorama City.” [7 p.m., Green Apple Books, 506 Clement St., S.F.]

Craig C. Downer: The wildlife ecologist talks about “The Wild Horse Conspiracy.” [7 p.m., Books Inc., 601 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]

At the colleges

Paul Ehrlich: The biologist, ecologist and “Population Bomb” author gives a talk titled “Can Civilization Be Saved?” [4 p.m., Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, 75 Alta Road, Stanford University, Stanford]

Pankaj Mishra: The reporter and author discusses the leaders who have shaped contemporary China, India and the Muslim world. [6 p.m., Mechanics’ Institute, 57 Post St., S.F.; RSVP (required): (415) 393-0100 or www.milibrary.org]

At the public library

Banned Books Week: The library hosts a discussion of the book “50 Shades of Grey,” with Bravo TV’s Emily Morse. [6 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]

Artist talk: Susan Matthews discusses pieces of her artwork that are on display in the library exhibit “AfroCuba and Secrets Under the Skin.” [6 p.m., Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Room, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]

Local activities

Singer-songwriter: Soul songstress and songwriter Joss Stone brings her world tour to Union Square. Her appearance is part of the Oracle Music Festival. [8:30 p.m., Post and Powell streets, S.F.]

Money conference: Social Capital Markets Investors Conference (SOCAP) features speakers, panels and open-space sessions. The intersection of money and meaning is the focus. [7:30 a.m. onward, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, S.F.; www.socialcapitalmarkets.net]

Food celebration: The San Bruno Chamber of Commerce presents “Tastes of San Bruno,” an evening of food and entertainment. [6 to 8 p.m., San Bruno Recreation Center, 251 City Park Way, San Bruno; www.sanbrunochamber.com]

Russian music: Noontime Concerts presents its Russian Music Festival. Cellist Krisanthy Desby and pianist Helene Wickett perform a Rachmaninoff work. [12:30 p.m., Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St., S.F.]

Alzheimer’s care: Home Instead Senior Care hosts a workshop in caring for family members with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. [1:30 p.m., Calvary Presbyterian Church, 2515 Fillmore St., S.F.; RSVP to Jill Melvin at (415) 441-6490]

Dining out

Kokkari: Two lamb dishes are recommended today. First up is the arnisio souvlaki — spiced lamb skewer grilled with onion, bay leaf, and tomatoes, with tzatziki and potatoes. [200 Jackson St., S.F.; (415) 981-0983]

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