Astronomy Talk

Mt. Tam is a majestic place during the day, but it's equally marvelous at night away from the city lights. Instead of holing up in a dark movie theater watching Gravity (overrated, I must say, even in 3D), experience space for real with an evening astronomy talk at the super cool and crumbling Mountain Theater. The event begins at the end of twilight with a talk by Dr. Dan Werthimer, from the SETI Institute, who will be exploring the possibility of life in the universe. After an approximately 45 minute lecture plus a Q & A, the audience is treated to a night sky tour by the Urban Astronomer (this guy knows his sky!), followed by an opportunity to ogle stars, moons, and galaxies from telescopes provided by the SF Amateur Astronomers. It's truly a "starparty" and highly recommended for burnt out city folk. Free, more info and directions here. The Mountain Theater, Mt Tamalpais, Mill Valley.

Omar Sosa Afri-Lectric Sextet

Six-time GRAMMY-nominated Cuban composer and pianist Omar Sosa was tasked with composing and producing a tribute to Miles Davis' classic album Kind of Blue for its 50th anniversary. One of the most skilled jazz artists around, Sosa fuses a wide range of jazz, world music, and electronic elements with his native Afro-Cuban roots to create a fresh and original urban Latin jazz sound. In this performance, African influence permeates as he takes the stage with five eclectic and accomplished musicians to recreate the work of one of the key figures in the history of jazz. $25 advanced, $30 at the door, 7 p.m., Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts, 200 N. San Pedro Rd, San Rafael. Buy tickets here.

Author Events at Book Passage

Embracing the right to thrive as a kickass independent bookstore, Book Passage is the perfect spot to browse your afternoon away among stacks of novels (their travel section, in particular, is spectacular). If you haven't read our Reading Roundup column, you might not be aware that the indie store constantly hosts a slew of world class authors for talks and signings. This weekend is no exception with peeps like John Pery, author of everybody's favorite flaw, The Art of Procrastination, in conversation with Gregory Stock of The Book of Questions (1 p.m. 11/2). SF-based author Daniel Alarcón discusses his compulsively readable narrative At Night We Walk in Circles (4 p.m. 11/2), Estelle Freedman examines her novel Redefining Rape (4 p.m. 11/3), and many more appearances will occur. See the full line up here.