With pen in hand, certain artists have the capacity to stun our eyes with unique imagery. Others place seemingly disparate objects together to create visually arresting work. Meeting such artists at openings always draws an equally eclectic crowd of admirers.

Friday, February 5 is packed with openings. Starting in ye olde Castro, Ian Hill's art at Given gets an opening reception for his exhibit of unusual fantasy paintings, at the gift store located at the former site of Harvey Milk's camera shop. 6pm-9pm. Thru Feb. 575 Castro st. 865-0353. www.ianhillart.com www.givenonline.com

Cultural Encounters, the fun night time party events at the de Young Museum, return Feb. 5, this time with a celebration of the Mission mural projects produced by Precita Eyes, with hands-on art-making, talks, mural displays and a focus on SF's Carnival. Free (museum admission $10-$27). 5pm-8:45pm. Golden Gate Park. www.famsf.org

Also Feb. 5, Truong Tran's exhibit of beautiful found art multimedia work opens at Mina Dresden Gallery. Free. 7pm-9pm. Thru Feb. 26. 312 Valencia St. www.gnourtnart.com www.minadresden.com

Pin Me Up and Down at Femina Potens also opens on Feb. 5 with an exhibit of contemporary female pin-up tribute art by Nancy Peach, Jenny Wehrt, and Lucy Peterson. 7:30pm. Thru Feb 27. 2199 Market St. at Sanchez. www.feminapotens.org

Get ready for a heady retro trip as Bill Bowers' exhibit Apocalypse of the Moon opens Sunday, Feb. 7, at Glama-Rama Salon. Bowers' wearable art and wall hangings have been worn by rock stars, and his Cockettes designs have become a part of gay history. 7pm. 417 South van Ness Ave. at 15th. 861-4526. www.queer-arts.org/bowers/ www.glamarama.com

For drawn art that moves – literally – Sita Sings the Blues, Nina Paley's visually stunning animated film combines a modern and ancient Indian story of love and loss. $6-$9. 7:15, 9:15 (also 2om Wed). Feb. 9-11 at the Rec Vic Movie House,1727 Haight St. 668-3994. www.redvicmoviehouse.com

Margaret Harrison's The Bodies are Back, an exhibit of the daring feminist pop art by the UK-based – and sometimes censored – visual artist who crashes gender identity, opens at Intersection for the Arts, Wed., Feb. 10, at 7pm. Reg. hours Wed-Sat 12pm-5pm. 446 Valencia St. at 15th. www.theintersection.org

Thursday, Feb. 11, Dale Lazarov will be at Books Inc. The gay author talks about his collaborative erotic comic book Nightlife, illustrated by Bastian Jonsson. Free. 7:30pm. 2275 Market St. at Noe. 864-6777. www.booksinc.net For a special online-only interview with Lazarov, and more sexy art work, read "Illustrated Men" in this issue.

And be sure to see Who You Callin' Queer? at the LGBT Center, a group exhibit of interactive multimedia art by Sarah Dopp, Martin Rawlings-Fein and Tee J. Tagor focusing on gender and nonviolence. Thru Mar. 6. 1800 Market St. at Octavia. www.underminingviolence.org www.sfcenter.org

Thu 4

2010: Resurgence @ ArtHaus

Group exhibit of works in various media by gallery artists. Also, Introductions, paintings by Gioi Tran. Free. 411 Brannan St. 977-0223. www.arthaus-sf.com

California Academy of Sciences
@ Golden Gate Park

Completely new science museum, with an aquarium, planetarium and natural history exhibits, and an all-green (eco-friendly) design. New evening parties each Thursday, with music, cash bar, entertainment, and guest lectures. $10. 18+. 6pm-10pm. Reg. $15-$25. 55 Music Concourse Drive. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

Depth & Distance III @ LGBT Center

Out of the Closet and On the Wall, a group exhibit of art by seniors and disabled clients at New Leaf. 1800 Market St. at Octavia. www.sfcenter.org

Evidence
@ Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

Ronald K. Brown's Brooklyn-based dance company performs Two Year-Old Gentleman, about men passing legacies between generations. $10-$30. 8pm. Thru Feb. 6. Novellus theater, 7001 Howard St. at 3rd. 978-2787. www.ybca.org

Indiefest @ Roxie Cinema

12th annual indepenedent film festival, featuring unusual movies about zombies, rapists, faith healers artists, teenagers, coal miners, and the creators of Superman. Roller disco party Feb. 6. At Cellspace, 2050 Bryant St. 21+. $10-$180 (full pass). Thru Feb. 18. Theatre: 3117 16th St. at Valencia. www.sfindie.com

Luxury Items @ CounterPulse

Monique "Fauxnique" Jenkinson returns with her dance-theatre solo show about excessive materialism and grandiosity. $10-$20. Thu-Sun 8pm. Thru Feb. 21. 1310 Mission St. at 9th. 626-2060. www.counterpulse.org

Out in the Bay @ KALW 91.7 FM

LGBT radio show with host Eric Jansen. 7pm (right after NPR's Fresh Air). Now also syndicated on-demand on Stitcher Radio (www.stitcher.com) www.KALW.org www.OutintheBay.com

Overlooked @ Robert Tat Gallery

Exhibit of seemingly insginificant prints that prove remarkable upon closer inspection. Thru March 27. Tue-Sat 11am-5:30pm. 781-1122. 49 Geary St. #211. www.roberttat.com

Shantala Shivalingappa @ Herbst Theatre

Accomlished Indian choreographer (who also worked with Pina Bauch and Peter Brooks) performs her six-part solo Gamaka with live musical accompaniment. $27-$39. 8pm. 401 Van Ness ave. 392-2545. www.performances.org

Terry Castle @ Books Inc.

Lesbian essayist (The Apparitional Lesbian: Female Homosexuality and Modern Culture) reads from and discusses her new book The Professor and Other Writings. Free. 7:30pm. 2275 Market St. at Noe. 864-6777. www.booksinc.net

Uncovered: The Diary Project
@ Dance Mission Theater

Sean Dorsey's dance-theatre interpretation of the diaries of transgender Lou Sullivan returns. $15-$20. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 4pm, 8pm. Thru Feb. 7. 3316 24th St. at Mission. 273-4633. www.freshmeatproductions.org

V.V. Brown, Ebony Bones @ Popscene

Soulful British singer with a cool retro style performs her latest songs live; punky-Mardi Gras-stylin' Ebony Bones opens. $10-$12. 18+. 10pm. 330 Ritch St. at Townsend. www.vvbrownus.com www.myspace.com/ebonybones www.popscene-sf.com

Fri 5

The Bright River @ Brava Theater

Tim Barsky's monologue beatbox musical version of Dante's Inferno, with cello and percussion accompaniment. $15-$35. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 7pm. Thru Feb. 20. 2781 24th St. at York. (800) 838-3006. www.thebrightriver.com

Cultural Encounters @ de Young Museum

Friday night events return, this time with a celebration of the Mission mural projects produced by Precita Eyes. Hands-on art-making, talks, mural displays and more, with a focus on SF's Carnival. Free (museum admission $10-$27) 5pm-8:45pm. Golden Gate Park. www.famsf.org

Doubt, A Parable @ New Conservatory Theatre Center

Oscar-nominated John Patrick Shanley's drama about a scandal at a private Catholic school in 1960s New York City. $22-$40. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Feb. 28. 25 Van Ness Ave, lower level. 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org

Fiddler on the Roof @ Golden Gate Theatre

Harvey Fierstein leads the touring cast of the critically acclaimed revival of the ever-popular musical about a Jewish Russian family facing strife and change amid tradition. $30-$99. Wed-Sat 8pm. Tue-Sun various times. Thru Feb. 21. 1 Taylor St. at Market. 512-7770. www.shnsf.com

Fiorello! @ Eureka Theatre

Children's production of the musical about New York mayor Fiorello Laguardia, co-produced by SF Arts ED and Theater Rhinoceros. $15-$30. Fri-Sat 7:30pm. Also Feb 7, 13, 14, 20 at 2pm. 215 Jackson St. 392-4400. www.sfartsed.org

Haiti Relief Fundraiser @ Rickshaw Stop

Bevan Dufty, Ross Mirkarimi, John Avalos and many other SF city Supervisors cohost this fundraiser for Haiti relief; live music, drinks. $20. 5pm-7pm. 155 Fell st. at Van Ness Ave. 554-6975.

Ian Hill @ Given

Opening reception for an exhibit of unusual fantasy paintings, at the gift store located at the former site of Harvey Milk's camera shop. 6pm-9pm. Thru Feb. 575 Castro st. 865-0353. www.ianhillart.com www.givenonline.com

Josee, The Tiger and The Fish @ VIZ Cinema

Japanese film about two people in an unlikely romance. Thru Feb. 18. New People World, 1746 Post St. www.NewPeopleWorld.com

Lady Gaga Tribute Night @ Deco Lounge

Heklina and Renttecca cohost what's sure to be a jam-packed night of drag (and Gaga fans), with Pollo Del Mar, Holy McGrail, Matthew Martin, Turleen, Becky Motorlodge, Sandra O'Noshidin't, Charisma Glitterati, Cookie Dough and a Gaga look-alike contest. $7. 9pm-2am, two shows: 11pm, 12:30am. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.trannyshack.com

The Last Station @ Embarcadero Cinema

Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren costar in a film about the relationship between Leo Tolstoy and his wife, Countess Sofya. 1 Embarcadero Center. 267-4893. www.sonyclassics.com www.landmarktheatres.com

Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco @ Women's Bldg.

The chorus performs Love Bites: All That Jazz, a comicaly queer anti-Valentine's Day concert. $15-$30. 8pm. Fri-Sat thru Feb. 13. 3543 18th St. at Valencia. (800) 838-3006. www.lgcsf.org

Musical Valentines Family Concert @ Eden Church, Hayward

Inclusive church showcases live music by vintage rock band Why Not? $5-$10. 7pm-9pm. Oliver Hall, 21455 Birch St. Hayward. (5100 582-9533. www.edenucc.com

Nasty @ The Powerhouse

Two wrestling matches with hot guys in singlets and jock straps; hosted by Suzan Revah, TobyGo.com Man Mike Pementell and Mr. SF Leather 2007 Travis Creston. $5. 10pm-1am. 1347 Folsom St. 552-8689. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Oedipus el Rey @ Magic Theatre

Luis Alfaro's updated Latino version of Sophocles' tragedy, re-set in modern California prisons, highways and cities, with a live musical chorus, and gorgeous Joshua Torrez in the lead role. $20-$55. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm-7pm. Previews thru Feb 3 (opening night). Thru Feb. 28. Bldg. D, Fort Mason center, Marina Blvd at Buchanan. www.magictheatre.org

Phedre @ American Conservatory Theatre

Timberlake Wertenbaker's new translation of Jean Racine's drama about the wife of King Theseus, and her affair with a younger man. $22-$80. Tue-Sat 8pm. Sat-Sun 2pm. Previews thru Jan. 20. Thru Feb. 7. 415 Geary St. 749-2228. www.act-sf.org

The Position @ Off-Market Theater

William Bivins' (Pulp Scripture) strange new play about a potentially fatal reality show in a desperate future. $20. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 7pm. Thru Feb. 28. 965 Market St. www.applyfortheposition.com www.pianofight.com

The Real Americans @ The Marsh

Dan Hoyle (Tings Dey Happen) premieres a new multiple-character solo show based on his road trip to Middle America to explore the profound disconnect in a politically polarized country. $15-$50. Thu-Fri 8pm. Sat 5pm. Thru Mar. 6. 1062 Valencia St. at 21st. (800) 838-3006. www.themarsh.org

Recent, Classic Films @ Castro Theatre

It's Complicated with Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin (2pm, 4:30, 7, 9:30pm). Feb. 7, Gone With the Wind, in a non-faded, 1980s print (2pm, 7pm). Feb. 10, another Terry Gilliam double feature, with The Fisher King (2pm, 7pm) and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (4:35, 9:35). Feb. 11, the Coen Brothers' A Serious Man (7pm) and The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans. ( 9pm). $8-$10. 429 Castro St. 621-6120. www.castrotheatre.com

Roaring 20s, Quirky 30s @ Oddball Film

Collection of rare Jazz Age 1930s short films, with live music by the Dimestore Dandy. Alsol, Feb. 6, The Art of Film, with visually stunning vintage films. $10. 8:30pm. 275 Capp st. 558-8117. www.oddballfilm.com

Truong Tran @ Mina Dresden Gallery

Opening reception for Tran's exhibit of beautiful found art multimedia works. Free. 7pm-9pm. Thru Feb. 26. 312 Valencia St. www.gnourtnart.com www.minadresden.com

Va Va Voom @ Exit Theatre

James Judd (the popular 7 Deadly Sins) hosts a night of spanking good comedy, with Shawn Pelofsky, Audrey Rapoport, Keira McDonald and Bunny Pistol. $20-$80 (reserved table for two with special wines). Fri-Sat 8pm. Sun 7:30pm. Thru Feb. 7. 156 Eddy St. at Mason. 206-1651. www.vavavoom2010.intuitwebsites.com

Sat 6

Antigone @ Live Oak Theatre, Berkeley

Local production of Jean Anouih's adaptation of the Sophocles Greek tragedy about the battle between a king and his daughter over the burial of her brother. $12-$15. Fri-Sat 8pm. Thru Feb. 20. 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman. (510) 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi

Musical comedy revue, now in its 35th year, with ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$80. Wed, Thu 8pm. Fri, Sat 6:30, 9:30pm. Sun 2pm, 5pm. (Beer/wine served; cash only). 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Bearracuda @ Deco Lounge

Austin-based crazy queen Christeene performs her wild songs like "Tears From My Pussy." $5-$8. 9pm-3am. Show at 10:30pm. DJs Sam Storicks, Boyshapedbox. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.bearracuda.com

Cesar's Latin All Stars @ Metronome Dance Center

Weekly live music by the orchestra, with salsa, Latin and other dance instruction and open dancing for same-sex and opposite-sex couples. $8-$12. 9pm-2am. Also Saturdays. 1830 17th St. at DeHaro. 252-9000. www.metronomedancecenter.com

Coming Home @ Berkeley Repertory

Athol Fugard's new play about the shameful policies of the apartheid-era South African government, particularly with the AIDS epidemic. $27-$84. Tue-Sat 8pm. Wed 7pm. Thu, Sat, Sun 2pm. Sun 7pm. Thru Feb 28. 2025 Addison St. (510) 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org

Daddy Long Legs @ Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

Megan McGinnis and Robert Adelman Hancock star in a new production of Paul Gordon & John Caird's musical about a talented orphan sent to a prestigious college by an anonymous benefactor. $29-$67. 8pm. Tue-Wed 7:30pm. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sat-Sun 2pm, also Sun 7pm. Thru Feb. 14. 500 Castro St. at Mercy, Mountain View. (650) 463-1960. www.theatreworks.org

Dionne Warwick @ The Castro Theatre

Celebrated pop music star sings her classic hits. $27.50-$79.50. 8pm. 429 Castro St. www.CityBoxOffice.com www.CastroTheatre.com

Finding Stella @ Hotel Adagio

Betty's List and Roke Noir Productions present a women's singles event, with the hot women's rock band. $25-$55. 6pm-11pm. 550 Geary St. at Taylor. www.bettyslist.com

The First Grade @ Aurora Theatre, Berkeley

Joel Drake Johnston's darkly comic play about a woman who tries to save her physical therapist and encounters crazy relatives and a horde of kids. $15-$55. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm, 7pm. Thru Feb. 28. 2081 Addison St. (510) 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org

GAPA Gala @ Empress of China

22nd annual banquet celebrating the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance, with a 10-course dinner, silent and live auctions, and performances by the Rice Rockettes, GAPA Men's Chorus, Jake Nguyen, with Campbell mayor Evan Low. $60-$70. 6:30pm. 838 Grant Ave. www.gapa.org

Hank Williams: Lost Highway @ GK Hardt Theatre, Santa Rosa

TV and stage actor (and former member of Blue Man Group) Tahmus Rounds plays the historic country singer in this biographical musical play. $15-$35. Fri-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Feb. 7. 52 West 6th St., Railroad Square. (707) 523-4185. www.6thstreetplayhouse.com

Loveland @ The Marsh

Ann Randolph's multiple-character solo show about flying home to the midwest from LA. $15-$35. Thu 8pm, Sat 5pm. Thru Feb. 12. 1074 Valencia St. at 21st. (800) 838-3006. www.themarsh.org

Pastor Tom Show @ KUSF

Dr. Tom Polcari's LGBT music and talk show. 4pm. Weekly on 90.3 FM.

Pearls Over Shanghai @ The Hypnodrome

Thrillpeddlers' revival of the comic mock operetta by Link Martin and Richard Koldewyn, performed by the gender-bending Cockettes decades ago, and loosely based on the 1926 play The Shanghai Gesture. $30-$69. 8pm. Extended, Fri & Sat thru April 24. 575 10th. (800) 838-3006. www.thrillpeddlers.com

Pin Me Up and Down @ Femina Potens

Opening reception for an exhibit of contemporary female pin-up tribute art by Nancy Peach, Jenny Wehrt, and Lucy Peterson. 7:30pm. Thru Feb 27. 2199 Market St. at Sanchez. www.feminapotens.org

Point Break Live @ Metreon Action Theater

Ridiculous live staged version of the surfer-bank robber movie, where a chosen audience member plays Keanu Reeves' role with cue cards. Warning; wear cheap clothes. Rain tarps provided, but you will get wet and/or fake-bloody. $25. 9pm. Fri & Sat. Open run. (866) 811-4111. www.pointbreaklivesf.com

A Round-Heeled Woman @ Z Space

Sharon Gless (Cagney & Lacey, Queer as Folk) stars in this unusual stage play (based on Jane Juska's bestselling memoir) about an older women who seeks out a hot male romance. $20-$50. Tue-Wed 7pm. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 5pm. Previews thru Jan. 16 (opening night). Thru Feb. 7. 450 Florida St. (800) 838-3006. www.zspace.org

The Seduction of Duchamp @ ArtZone 461 Gallery

30-artist group exhibit of new work responding to the influence of French Surrealist/Dadaist Marcel Duchamp. Wed-Sun 12pm-6pm. 461 Valencia St. at 15th. 441-08680. Thru Feb. 7. www.artzone461.com

Teatro Zinzanni @ Pier 29

Hearts on Fire is the new show at the theatre-tent-dinner extravaganza with new guest chanteuse Thelma Houston, comic singer El Vez, singer Christine Deaver, plus magic, comedy, aerial acts, a five-course dinner, and a lot of fun. $117-$145. Saturday 11:30am "Breve" show $63--$78. Wed-Sat 6pm (Sun 5pm). Pier 29 at Embarcadero Ave. 438-2668. www.teatrozinzanni.com

Time Warp 2010 @ Hotel Whitcomb

Krewe de Kink's masked ball benefit for the AIDS/Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, grand-marshalled by Eye on the Bay host Liam Mayclem, performances by Ethel Merman, Trauma Flintstone and Cockatielia. Hosted and non-hosted bars, DJed music. $25-$300. 8pm-12am. 1231 Market St. at 8th. www.aidsemergencyfund.org

Various Exhibits @ SF MOMA

Modern art museum celebrates its 75th anniversary. Among the ongoing ehxibits: Long Play: Bruce Connor and the Singles Collection (amazing film collages), The View From Here (San Francisco photography), Ewan Gibbs' San Francisco landscape drawings, painter Luc Tuymans, and a rotating permanent "classic modern" collection. Free-$15. 151 Third St. at Mission. 357-4000. www.sfmoma.org

Who You Callin' Queer? @ LGBT Center

Group exhibit of interactive multimedia art by Sarah Dopp, Martin Rawlings-Fein and Tee J. Tagor focusing on gender and nonviolence. Thru Mar. 6. 1800 Market St. at Octavia. www.underminingviolence.org www.sfcenter.org

Wicked @ Orpheum Theatre

Mega-hit musical –based on the book about the two famous Oz witches as young college roommates– returns to SF. $30-$99. Tue-Sat 8pm. Wed, Sat, Sun 2pm. Sun 7:30pm. Open run. www.shnsf.com Also, Behind the Emerald Curtain, a behind-the-scenes tour led by cast members Nicolas Drummard and Jonathan Ritter, each Saturday at 10am at the Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St. at 8th. $30. 512- 7770. www.emeraldcurtain.com

Sun 7

Bill Bowers @ Glama-Rama Salon

Opening reception for Apocalypse of the Moon, an exhibit of the wearable art and wall hangings of legendary Bill Bowers, whose art-clothes have been worn by rock stars, and whose Cockettes designs have become a part of gay history. 7pm. 417 South van Ness Ave. at 15th. 861-4526. www.queer-arts.org/bowers/ www.glamarama.com

Cabaret Showcase Showdown @ Martuni's

'Best Male Crooner' is the latest edition of this (thankfully Simon Cowell-free) singing competition show. $5. 7pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com

Cartier and America @ Legion of Honor

Exhibit showing the history of the House of Cartier from its first great successes as the "king of jewelers and jeweler to kings" during the Belle Epoque through to the 1960s and 1970s, when Cartier supplied celebrities of the day with their jewels and luxury accessories. $6-$10. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. Lincoln Park, 34th Avenue and Clement St. 750-3600. www.legionofhonor.org

Five O'Clock Jive @ Live Art Gallery

Swing dancing for same-sex partners and pals. A special Rockailly crash course tonight! $5. 7:30-9:30pm. 7pm beginners class. Also, lessons and dancing other nights; Monday Salsa, Tuesdays Charleston, Wednesdays Lindy Hop, Thursdays Ballroom: $35 for a series of lessons/$10 drop-in). 151 Potrero Ave. at 15th.www.QueerJitterbugs.com

Happy Hour @ Energy Talk Radio

New interview show with gay writer Adam Sandel as host. 8pm. www.EnergyTalkRadio.com

Outlook Video @ Chanel 29

LGBT news program with several topics and interviewees. 5pm. Also live-streaming online. www.outlookvideo.com

SF Hiking Club @ Mount Diablo

Join GLBT hikers for a 12-mile hike to Eagle Peak and Donner Canyon. Enjoy spectacular views, stunning slopes, and cascading waterfalls. Bring water, lunch, layers, windbreaker, hat, sunscreen, sturdy boots. Carpool meets 8:45 at Safeway sign, Market & Dolores. 264-5937. www.sfhiking.com

Sunday's a Drag @ Starlight Room

Donna Sachet and Harry Denton host the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show. $30. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.harrydenton.com

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age
of the Pharaohs @ de Young Museum

Fascinating exhibit of ancient Egyptian artifacts from the famous empire, set in a maze-like series of galleries. Also, Amish Abstractions: Quilts from the Collection of Faith and Stephen Brown features 48 full-size and crib quilts that showcase the diversity of the Amish quilt tradition. Also, Yua, Spirit of the Arctic: Eskimo and Inuit Art from the Collection of Thomas G. Fowler; nearly 100 objects from approximately 500 B.C. to the contemporary era, with snow goggles, kayak models, cribbage boards, animal carvings, dolls, and stone sculptures in a variety of materials. $6.50-$27.50. Daily 9am-9pm. Thru March 2010. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive (877) 888-8587. www.deyoungmuseum.org

Mon 8

All You Need is Love
@ Marines Memorial Theatre

Rita Moreno, Maureen McGovern, Susan Anton, Sharon Gless, Leslie Jordan, Maria Muldaur and many more talented cabaret, Broadway film and TV stars perform at the Valentines' Day-themed Help is on the Way benefit concert. $45-$125. 7:30pm, gala 10pm. 609 Sutter St. at Mason. 273-1620. www.helpisontheway.org

Christine Kessler @ Center for Sex & Culture

Exhibit of kinky photographs of women. Mon-Wed 8am-4pm. Thu-Fri 7am-4pm. Sat-Sun 8am-4pm. Thru Feb. 10. 1519 Mission St. www.fpedge.com/exhibit_pages

Eat, Drink and Be Merry @ John Pence Gallery

Group exhibit of realist still lifes and figurative paintings with the theme of food and dining. Free. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 10am-5pm. Thru Feb. 20. 750 Post St. 441-1138. www.johnpence.com

Janice Mirikitani @ Commonwealth Club

San Francisco Poet Laureate and cofounder of the Glide Foundation discusses and reads from her memoir, And Yet, We Are Not Broken, about her difficult childhood, which including WWII internment. Free/members-$15. 6pm. 595 Market St. 2nd fl. www.commonwealthclub.org

Queer Ballroom @ Live Art Gallery

Weekly beginners same-sex dance classes in salsa and other styles. Also swing classes on Wednesdays, Standard ballroom Thursdays, $10 each, $35 for series. 151 Potrero Ave. 305-8242. www.QueerBallroom.com

Rosa Sat, Martin Walked & Barack Ran @ SF Art Exchange

Exhibit of 50 photographs by nine photographers visualizing African-American leaders of change. 458 Geary St. at Mason. (800) 344-9633. Thru Mar. 31. www.sfae.com

Snap/shot: 99 Years of Looking Fabulous
@ Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library

New exhibit of photos donated by LGBT community members from treasured albums to digital cameras. Thru Feb 14. 1 Jose Sarria Court, 16th & Market sts. www.sfpl.org

Ten Percent @ Comcast 104

David Perry's new talk show about LGBT local issues. 11:30am & 8pm. Mon-Thu. www.davidperry.com

Victor Arimondi @ SF Public Library

A Compassionate Eye: the Work of Victor Arimondi, an exhibit of photos by the prolific late gay Italian photographer. Hormel Center, 100 Larkin St. www.victorarimondi.net www.sfpl.org

Tue 9

Buddhist Meditation Classes
@ Kadampa Buddhist Temple

Tessa Logan teaches drop-in meditation classes. $10. 7-8:45pm. 3324 17th St. 503-1187. www.meditationinnortherncalifornia.org

Trio Cavatina @ Herbst Theatre

Celebrated trio (violin, cello, piano) perform works by Schumann and Chopin. $25. 8pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. 392-2545. www.performances.org

The Drag Show @ Channel 29/76

New weekly talk show with local drag performers; Zachary Davenport and Stu Smith cohost. Free (with cable). 7:30pm.

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey's

Ronn Vigh and Nick Leonard host the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. Free. One-drink minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

The Future Lasts Forever @ SF CameraWork

Part two of the group photography exhibit An Autobiography of the San Francisco Bay Area, including prints by gay artists Jack Fritscher and Robert Mapplethorpe. Thru April. Tue-Sat 12pm-5m. 657 Mission St. 2nd fl. 512-2020. www.sfcamerawork.org

Passionate Struggle @ GLBT Historical Society

Re-opening of the successful Castro district exhibit, now relocated to the society's main exhibit, about Bay Area LGBT historical events and people. Also, Keepin' On: Images of African American Lesbians from the Brooklyn Lesbian Herstory Archives. Free/donations. 657 Mission St. #300. www.glbthistory.org

Radar Reading @ SF Public Library

Author Michelle Tea welcomes writers Eric Markey, Moe Bowstern, Zoe Whittall and Quince Mountain. Free. 6pm. Lower level, 100 Larkin St. 447-4400. www.sfpl.org

Sita Sings the Blues
@ Rec Vic Movie House

Nina Paley's visually stunning animated film combines a modern and ancient Indian story of love and loss. $6-$9. 7:15, 9:15 (also 2om Wed). Thru Feb. 11. 1727 Haight St. 668-3994. www.redvicmoviehouse.com

Thomas Glave
@ University of San Francisco

Gay author of award-winning essays and short stories reads from his work. Free. 7:30pm. Fromm Hall, USF Main Campus, 2130 Fulton St. www.thomasglave.com www.usfca.edu

Yoga Classes @ LGBT Center

Fun, friendly weekly classes for beginners or experienced with Bill Mohler. $10. 6:30pm. Also Wednesdays. Room 302, 1800 Market St. at Octavia. www.billmohleryoga.com www.sfcenter.org

Wed 10

Eat, Pray, Laugh! @ Off-Market Theatre

Alicia Dattner's solo show about a Jewish "princess" seeking spiritual salvation in India. $20. Wed only. 8pm. Thru Feb. 24. 965 Mission St. www.aliciadattner.com

Gay Skate @ Redwood Roller Rink

The weekly GLBT roller-skating night is worth the drive. $7. 8pm-10pm. 1303 Main St. Redwood City. (650) 574-8148. www.myspace.com/gayrainbowskate

Margaret Harrison @ Intersection for the Arts

Opening reception for The Bodies are Back, an exhibit of the daring feminist pop art of the UK-based, sometimes censored, visual artist who crashes gender identity. 7pm. Reg hours Wed-Sat 12pm-5pm. 446 Valencia St. at 15th. www.theintersection.org

Marga's Laugh Party @ Cafe Du Nord

Marga Gomez hosts a night of comedy, performance and music with DJ Chelsea Starr, Marcella Arguello, Janine Brito, Lynn Breedlove, Emily Heller, Tara Jepsen, Kirk Read, Pippi Lovestocking,
Ben McCoy and Natasha Muse. $10. 9pm. 2170 Market St. 861-5016. www.cafedunord.com

Queer Workers @ CounterPulse

Class, Gentrification and Struggle in San Francisco, a panel hosted by members of Pride at Work/HAVOQ. Free. 7:30pm. 1310 Mission St. at 9th. 626-2060. www.counterpulse.org

Tick, Tick ... BOOM! @ Eureka Theatre

Theatre Rhinoceros resurrects the other musical by Jonathan Larsen (Rent) about selling out while making a show. $15-$30. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm, 7pm. Thru Feb. 28. 215 Jackson St. at Front. (800) 838-3006. www.TheRhino.org

Van Darkholme @ Mister S

Exhibit of hot men in rope bondage by the local photographer. Free. 385 8th St. Daily 11am-7pm. www.fpedge.com/exhibit_pages/mr_s/mr_s_venue.htm