Who's in town

Young British singer-songwriter Lewis Watson performs music from his acclaimed new album, “The Morning.” [8 p.m., Chapel, 777 Valencia St., S.F.]

Lectures

Foreign policy: Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman, a San Diego State University professor and a fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution, discusses the history of America's foreign policies. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]

Global discussion: A town hall discussion addresses global economics and the question “Social Entrepreneurship: A Lasting Development Approach?” [6:30 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]

Literary events

Napa cooking: Christopher Kostow, the acclaimed chef of The Restaurant at Meadowood in St. Helena, shares recipes and stories from his new book, “A New Napa Cuisine.” [6:30 p.m., Omnivore Books on Food, 3885a Cesar Chavez St., S.F.]

Security fears: Former Wall Street Journal writer Ann Hagedorn discusses her new book, “The Invisible Soldiers,” which looks at the questions raised by the privatization of America's national security system. [7 p.m., Books Inc., 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto]

Playgrounds: Researcher Susan Solomon talks about why playgrounds are vitally important to child development and her new book, “The Science of Play: How to Build Playgrounds That Enhance Children's Development.” [7 p.m., Green Apple Books, 1221 Ninth Ave., S.F.]

At the public library

Homework help: Student volunteers help K-8 students with homework assignments. [4-6 p.m., Excelsior Branch, 4400 Mission St., S.F.]

At the colleges

Classical music: Conductor Cyrus Ginwala leads the San Francisco State University Orchestra in Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. [1 p.m., Knuth Hall, Creative Arts Building, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave., S.F.]

Local activities

Open-mic comedy: Doc's Lab is hosting a night of open-mic comedy. [7 p.m., Doc's Lab, 124 Columbus Ave., S.F.]

Theater preview: The Marsh presents works in progress. [8 p.m., 1062 Valencia St., S.F.]

Behind the lens: “21 Years: Richard Linklater” explores the director's life and work, from “Dazed and Confused” to the “Before Sunrise” film series. [7 p.m. and 8:45 p.m., Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., S.F.]

Rock out: Hard-rocking Arch Enemy is headlining a bill that also includes Kreator, Huntress and Starkill. [8 p.m., Regency Ballroom, 1290 Sutter St., S.F.]

Retro rock: Alt-rock darlings the Lemonheads, fronted by singer Evan Dando, are opening for the Psychedelic Furs. [8 p.m., Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd., S.F.]