THURSDAY, OCT. 8
Cody Simpson: The musician, who has shed a dance-pop sound in favor of a beachy Jack Johnson-like acoustic vibe, opens for pop-rap-reggae duo Aer. [8 p.m., $21.50. Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd., S.F.]
The Who in Hyde: The film records the June 26, 2015 concert of the band’s 50th anniversary sold-out performance before 65,000 fans in London. [7:30 p.m., AMC Van Ness 14, 1000 Van Ness Ave., S.F.; Century San Francisco Centre 9, 845 Market St., S.F.; Century 12 Downtown San Mateo, 320 E. Second Ave., San Mateo}
Duke Dumont: The Grammy-nominated British producer’s latest hit is “Ocean Drive.” [8 p.m., Warfield, 982 Market St., S.F.]
David Baker: The food and wine expert launches his debut novel, “Vintage.” [7 p.m., Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera]
Finding Noah: Screening for one night, the documentary follows archaeologists, theologians and explorers on an expedition up Mount Ararat’s desolate summit to investigate the question: Did Noah and his ark actually exist? [7 p.m., Redwood Downtown 20 and XD, 825 Middlefield Road, Redwood City]
Justina Blakeney: The designer and author of “The New Bohemians: Cool and Collected Homes” promotes the book in a conversation with San Francisco Cottages & Gardens editor Alisa Carroll. [6 p.m., Erica Tanov, 1827 Fourth St., Berkeley]
Billy Shaddox: The singer-songwriter’s new recording “I Melt, I Howl” showcases his dreamy pop harmonies and soul-stirring lyrics. [8 p.m., Hotel Utah, 500 Fourth St., S.F.]
FRIDAY, OCT. 9
Castro Romero Flamenco: The award-winnning brothers-and-sister troupe from Madrid returns to the Bay Area with its acclaimed show, “Esencia Flamenca,” [8 p.m., Palace of Fine Arts 3301 Lyon St., S.F.]
Litquake opening night: The nine-day, jam-packed annual literary festival begins with “The Devil’s Acre,” a program celebrating The City in the 1800s and “Drinking the Devil’s Acre,” Duggan McDonnell’s illustrated history of saloons of the Barbary Coast. [8 p.m., Z Space, 450 Florida S., S.F.]
William deBuys: The Pulitzer Prize finalist and nature writer discusses “The Last Unicorn: A Search for One of Earth’s Rarest Creatures,” about the 1992 discovery of a large land mammal and species new to Western science. [6 p.m., Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building, S.F.]
Zoppe, An Italian Family Circus: Back for its annual two-week Peninsula engagement, the one-ring circus starring Nino the clown boasts acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and audience participation. [4 and 7 p.m., Red Morton Park, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City]
Battles: The experimental art rock band, featuring members of Helmet, Lynx and Don Caballero, released “La Di Da Di” in 2015. [9 p.m,. Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd., S.F.]
Day of the Dead Exhibition unveiling: SOMArts 16th exhibit of Mexican altars and contemporary art installations (which celebrates poets Eduardo Galeano and Alfonso Texidor) opens with a party featuring theater ensemble Loco Bloco. [6 to 9 p.m., 934 Brannan St., S.F.}
Jandek: The act is the project of a publicity-averse outsider musician from Houston, who, since 1978, has self-released more than 70 albums of unusual folk and blues songs. [9 p.m., Chapel, 777 Valencia St., S.F.]
