Lit: Jonathan Franzen
Confession: I've not yet read best-selling novel The Corrections. But, when I saw author Jonathan Franzen on the cover of Time magazine the other week carrying the heady title of "The Great American Novelist" for his latest book Freedom, I decided I had to get my hands on everything he's ever written, stat. Now, we all have the lucky chance to see this brilliant writer in person for a City Arts & Lectures discussion with CCA provost Dr. Mark Breitenberg. The event is not yet sold out (gasp!), so get your tickets now while you still can. $20; Monday 9/13; Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., cityarts.net
Comedy: Killing My Lobster's Hold the Mayo and Kathy Griffin
After a four-year hiatus, the sketch comedy group Killing My Lobster is back, tackling a subject near and dear to San Franciscan's hearts: food. The program, cleverly called "Hold the Mayo," takes a deep dive into our obsession with local, organic, grass-fed, and backyard-raised. $10-$20; Thursday, 9/16 - Sunday, 10/3; Zeum, 221 Fourth St., killingmylobster.com. But if food jokes aren't your speed, you can get down and dirty with Kathy Griffin instead. $57-$96; Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., livenation.com
Activism: PARK(ing) Day
This annual event has become a worldwide phenomenon—over the course of one day, 700 parks, 140 cities, 21 countries, and six continents transform metered parking spots into temporary playgrounds. Do your part to preach the need for more public green space by creating your own spot. Laws and city regulations do apply, so check out the PARK(ing) Day site for details on how to do it without getting arrested. Friday, 9/17; citywide, parkingday.org
Music: The Walkmen, Ratatat, + Paramore with Tegan and Sara
This week, there's too much good music to name just one show. From indie rock to electronic to new wave, all bases are covered. The Walkmen, 9/14, $33; The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd, livenation.com. Ratatat, 9/17, $27: The Warfield, 982 Market St., goldenvoice.com. Paramore with Tegan and Sara, 9/17, $44 ; HP Pavilion, 525 West Santa Clara, San Jose, livenation.com
Art: 941 Geary Grand Opening
Seasoned gallerist Justin Giarla has done it again. As if three successful spaces weren't enough, he's now opening his fourth and biggest named 941 Geary (check out our blog here). The grand opening exhibit—Flotsam's Wonder World by artist Mike Shine—will take you through an art opera, complete with film, music, carnival tent, games, and more. All the cool people in town will be there. Free; Saturday, 9/18; 941 Geary St., 941geary.com
Photo of Franzen courtesy of Time magazine.
