THURSDAY, SEPT. 28
San Francisco Symphony: Music director Michael Tilson Thomas conducts Berlioz’s “Symphonie fantastique” on a program with soloist Jeremy Denk playing Bartok’s Piano Concerto No. 2. [8 p.m., Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Jessica Levant Photo Art: The photographer in residence whose works span from abstract to whimsy and quirky as well as street shots, and jazz artists, hosts a reception. [5:30 to 8 p.m., Troll House, Pier 26 on the Embarcadero between Harrison and Bryant streets, S.F.]
Christina Seely: The artist opens her mixed-media show “terra systema . momentum,” which “transmogrifies the tropical rainforest and the melt of the Greenland ice sheet into … respiratory and circulatory systems, scaling the planetary to the human body,” with a reception. [6 to 8 p.m., EUQINOMprojects, 1599 Tennessee St., S.F.]
Looking Inward-Painting a Journey: The exhibit represents the culmination of a project centered around art-making activities for seniors, many living with memory disorders, who were inspired by art by Disney animator Eyvind Earle. [10 a.m. to 6 p.m., lower lobby, Walt Disney Family Museum, 104 Montgomery St., S.F. Presidio]
Nathan Englander: The Pulitzer finalist and best-selling author is promoting his new novel, “Dinner at the Center of the Earth,” a thriller set amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict about the relationship between a secret prisoner and his guard. [7:30 p.m., Green Apple Books, 1231 Ninth Ave., S.F.]
Shanna Farrell: The author talks about “Bay Area Cocktails: A History of Culture, Community and Craft” in an event with samples of Negronis. [6:30 p.m., Omnivore Books on Food, 3885 Cesar Chavez St., S.F.]
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead: Daniel Radcliffe stars in Tom Stoppard’s acclaimed absurdist comedy in a National Theatre Live presentation from the Old Vic London. [7 p.m., Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonion, San Jose]
Elizabeth Cook: The country singer-songwriter and Grand Ole Opry regular plays from “Exodus of Venus,” her first album in six years, headlining a show with Dead Rock West, an alt-country rock group featuring Cindy Wasserman and Frank Lee Drennen. [8 p.m., Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley]
FRIDAY, SEPT. 29
Hong Kong Cinema: The three-day SFFILM festival opens with “Our Time Will Come,” Ann Hui’s drama about heroic resistance fighters during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong from 1941–44; producer Roger Lee is expected to attend. [6:15 p.m., New People Cinema, 1746 Post St., S.F.]
Adam Ant: The U.K. post punk artist who hit big in the 1980s is on his “The Anthems-The Singles” tour, playing chart-topping singles as well as rare singles, B sides and personal favorites. [8 p.m., Masonic, 1111 California St., S.F.]
Jackets/Darts: The garage-punk-psych-freakbeat trio based in Bern, Switzerland, appears on a bill with the Phoenix/Los-Angeles “garage-psych goddesses.” [9 p.m., Elbo Room, 647 Valencia St., S.F.]
Bubbles & Beignets: The New Orleans’ themed cocktail reception is a benefit for Tangible Hope Foundation, which assists girls living in poverty in rural Ethiopia. [6 to 9 p.m., Cambria Gallery, 1045 Bryant St., S.F.]
Robyn Hitchcock with Yo La Tengo: The quirky rockers are performing Hitchcock’s 1981 solo debut, “Black Snake Dîamond Role” in its entirety. [9 p.m., Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd., S.F.]
Speechless Marathon: The second annual 24-hour event is a “one-of-a-kind” overnight comedy marathon featuring more than 100 performers (including Bay Area talent from comedy and technology), along with games and demos, wellness services, prizes and refreshments. [8 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Saturday, Folsom Street Foundry, 1425 Folsom St., S.F.]
Middle Kids: The Australian trio’s sound has been called “heartfelt,” with “clever ruminations at the intersection of indie rock and alt-country.” [9 p.m., Independent, 628 Divisadero St., S.F.]
Spanish Harlem Orchestra: The Grammy-winning band — which is on a mission to maintain and expand the legacy of salsa dura (“hard salsa”) — plays a concert in honor of the Redwood City Salsa Festival’s 10th anniversary. [9 p.m., Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City]
