This weekend is all about the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo, but here's what you can look forward to when you're not getting your drink on.
Fashion
Academy of Art Graduation Fashion Show
The much-anticipated annual fashion show is over a week away, but AAU is giving away free tickets if you RSVP now. Click here to reserve spot now.
When: 7 p.m., Thurs. 5/9
Where: Palace of Fine Arts, 3350 Lyon St.
Conversation
Overheated: Climate Change
The Sierra Club and Patagonia have come together to host an evening of raising awareness for the environment. Thanks to UC Berkeley professor Andrew Guzman's new book Overheated, climate change is no longer an abstract concept of science. Along with the author, Palo Atlo's mayor Gregory Scharff will be on hand to discuss realistic solutions to the human costs of our climate crisis.
When: 6 - 8 p.m. Mon. 4/29
Where: Patagonia Palo Alto, Palo Alto
Conversation
Michael Lewis
Who could forget that Vanity Fair article about Michael Lewis' time on the court and in the Oval Office with Obama? This week, the local author takes the hot seat to talk about his experience spending time with the president and his latest book Boomerang about the international fiscal crisis.
When: 7:30 p.m., Wed. 5/1
Where: Nourse Theatre, 275 Hayes St.
Music
Metal Mother CD Release Party
Oakland based Taara Tati, better known as Metal Mother, is releasing her second album Ionika with an SF performance. Fans of Björk and Kate Bush are sure to groove with this local dark-wave artist's obscure arrangements of tribal drums, heavy electronics, and layered vocals.
When: 8 p.m, Thurs. 5/2
Where: Public Works, 161 Erie St.
Music
Prince de Dame
Neoclassicism is reimagined on debut album The Wild Blood from up-and-comer Karl Cronin and his accompanying string quartet. Tales of loss and love are interwoven in rich string arrangements that support a voice sometimes reminiscient of the great Jeff Buckley. The evening features a performance by the band, guest performers, and an art installation by local talent Theo Knox.
When: 8 p.m., Fri. 5/3
Where: Center for New Music, 55 Taylor St.
Performance
Cinderella
Forget what you know about Disney'a animated Cinderella. In this collaboration between the San Francisco Ballet and Dutch National Ballet, choreographed by Brit Christopher Wheeldon, we see a more sophisticated adaptation inspired by the fairy tales of Perrault and Brothers Grimm. Fashion- and tech- savvy locals will find more to love, including whimsical costumes and sets by English designer Julian Crouch and a tree that sprouts when Cinderella sheds a tear.
When: Fri. 5/3 - Sun. 5/12
Where: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave.
Music
Jason Moran, Bandwagon, & Live Skateboarding
SFJAZZ presents a collision of jazz improv and skateboarding. A half-pipe, specially constructed for this event inside the new SFJAZZ auditorium, will be the center piece of this unparalleled performance.
When: 7:30 p.m., Sat. 5/4
Where: SFJAZZ Auditorium, 201 Franklin St.
Music
Tamaryn
Tamaryn has once again collaborated with SF native Rex John Shelverton to create her sophomore album. Filled with pop songs to sky gaze to, Tamaryn's intimate melodies mix with stadium-sized guitars in a neo-psyhedelic way.
When: 9 p.m., Sat. 5/4
Where: The Chapel, 777 Valencia St.
Nightlife
Exploratorium After Dark
After Dark returns to the Exploratorium following its 2012 hiatus with the fitting theme of "Home" for its new location. This adult-only housewarming party will feature live music hosted in the Outdoor Gallery and a variety of conversations with Exploratorium experts about the solar system.
When: 6 - 10 p.m., Thurs. 5/2
Where: Exploratorium, Pier 15
Party
All Things Artisanal for the Desktop (the Real One)
La Boutqiue has partnered with new mag Handful of Salt to showcase the best of the Bay's contemporary crafts to help you get through a day at the office in style. Outfit your workspace with artisanal products such as handcrafted pens from E.B. Montgomery and desk lights from Josh Jakus.
When: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Fri. 5/3
Where: La Boutique, 414 Jackson St.
Art
"Present Tense"
Head north to Headlands Center for the Arts, where "Present Tense"—an exhibition resulting from recent MFA graduates' 12-month fellowships—is offering art to rival the surrounding vistas. The collection of diverse works includes Joshua Band's surrealist landscape photo collages; Kari Orvik's photography of SF neighborhoods with changing landscapes; and Jordan Perkins-Lewis' study of the effects of technology on cultural identity via augmented reality and video mapping.
When: Sun. 5/5 - Sun. 6/9
Where: Headlands Center for the Arts, Sausalito
Local
Urban Air Market
Scour eco-friendly, cutting edge designs from over 130 designers while listening to roaming musicians like Vagabondage and The Sweet Trade. Sustainable shopping and free live music — what better way to spend a Sunday?
When: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun. 5/5
Where: Octavia Blvd. at Hayes St.
