Conversation
Smithsonian's American History
Richard Kurin, author of the new book The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects, talks to San Francisco about our nation's history. As the Institution's Under Secretary for Art, History, and Culture, Kurin is responsible for many of the museums, their research, and their outreach programs. During his lecture, Kurin will showcase historical treasures to tell America's story.  
When: 7:30 p.m., Mon. 11/18
Where: SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St.

Lit
Mary Roach and Jon Mooallen
Author of five books, Roach will discuss her latest publication Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal with fellow writer Jon Mooallen. While Roach never got a degree in science, her writing tends to focus on weird and sometimes repelling topics. From books such as Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers and Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex, audience members are sure to find themselves amused while listening to Roach talk about her inspirations.
When: 7:30 p.m., Tues. 11/19
Where: Nourse Theater, 275 Hayes St. 

Performance
Be Bop Baby: A Musical Memoir
Jazz man Marcus Shelby and his orchestra provide the live soundtrack to Be Bop Baby: A Musical Memoir, the story of actress/director/playwright Margo Hall and her Motown family. Hall's stepfather, Teddy Harris Jr., worked with such legends as Aretha Franklin and the Supremes
When: Tues. 11/19–Sat. 11/23
Where: Z Space, 450 Florida St.

Photo Talk
Lisa Kristine
Humanitarian photographer, Lisa Kristine, will talk with Mehroz Baig about her experiences with modern-day slavery. With the hope of bringing awareness to the tens of millions still enslaved around the world, Kristine plans to share photography from her travels. The photos document aspects of these enslaved people's lives. The talk is in association with the NorCal Peace Corps Association.
When: 6 p.m., Wed. 11/20; 5:30 p.m. networking reception and 7 p.m. book signing  
Where: Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St.

Dance
ROMP
LEVYdance's ROMP brings dancers and audience members together at banquet tables. The effect is a familiar setting transformed into an uncanny expressive world. The close range of performance enhances the intimacy, bringing together audience members in appreciation and awe. The show includes a pre-performance reception and post-performance meal for audiences.
When: 8 p.m., Thurs. 11/21–Sat. 11/23
Where: The General's Residence at Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd.

Shopping
HEATH Ceramics Annual Sale
Experience how HEATH Ceramics makes their collections through factory tours, tile glazing, and hands-on studio experiences. Spend time being the artist and get your hands dirty. If you get hungry, coffee and local food will be provided. You can even do a little holiday shopping or find that perfect home accessory with 20% off all in-store purchases.
When: Fri. 11/22 - Wed. 11/27, Community activities on Sat. 11/23 - Sun. 11/24
Where: San Francisco Showroom & Factory, 2900 18th St.
and Sausalito Showroom & Factory, 400 Gates 5 Rd.

Dance
So You Think You Can Dance
From hip hop, popping, salsa, jive and more, skilled dancers compete to be the winner of So You Think You Can Dance. Watch the 2013 So You Think You Can Dance tour with season 10 finalists, including winners Amy Yakima and Fik-Shun. Fans and audience members will get to witness the collaborative performances of these talented dancers live.  
When: 8 p.m., Fri. 11/22
Where: The Warfield, 982 Market St.

Music
Kate Nash
On the heels of London and New York Fashion weeks, where front-row denizen Kate Nash also played DJ to the party-going Vogue set, the Brit indie rocker brings a dose of babe power to the West Coast on tour for her latest album, Girl Talk.
When: 9 p.m., Fri. 11/22
Where: The Filmore, 1805 Geary Blvd.

Art
"Dissident Futures" Art & Ideas Day Festival
Come participate in the one-day Arts & Ideas Festival in conjunction with YBCA's "Dissident Futures" exhibition. This interactive affair invites public participants to explore futures created by artists, urban planners, environmentalists, robotic experts, and more through a series of lectures, performances, and interactive media. The community is challenged to imagine a future that regulates negative events like climate change, rising income inequalities, and the distribution of power.
When: 12 - 9 p.m., Sat. 11/23
Where: YBCA, 701 Mission St.

Music
Geographer
Local indie rockers finish up their tour with Royal Bangs, Festival, and Bad Suns in San Francisco. The hot group spent their summer headlining, receiving praise for their eclectic sound and expressive songs. The trio's recently released album, MYTH, has only built upon their success with the unusual mix of pop, techno, and cello. Start scouring Craigslist now—this hot ticket is sold-out.
When: 8 p.m., Sat. 11/23
Where: Bimbo's 365 Club, 1025 Columbus Ave.

Local

Makers at the Mint
Makers@theMint, the weekend pop-up retail event hosted at the historic Old Mint downtown, will once again invite the public to enjoy food, music, entertainment, and lots of handmade products. Designers and artists create an interactive experience, even allowing customers to participate in the production of their merchandise. All designers and artists are local to the West Coast and use a variety of materials that define the aesthetics of their lifestyle.
When: Sat. 11/23 - Sun. 11/24
Where: Old Mint, Mint Plaza 5th St.

Comedy
John Waters: This Filthy World
Get dirty with "Pope of Trash" John Waters at This Filthy World, the cult director's one-man, spoken-word vaudeville act.
When: 8 & 10 p.m., Sat. 11/23
Where: Yoshi's, 1330 Filmore St.