Talent shown

With some talents, one name says it all, like Gaultier, sweetie darling.

For others, you may not know them by name, but you should.

Solo performer Tina D'Elia's new show (photo, left) The Rita Hayworth of this Generation tells the story of Carmelita Cristina Rivera, a queer Latina performer whose passion, power and heartache impacts her drive to stardom. $10-$15. Fri & Sat, 8pm, March 23 thru April 7. Shotwell Studios, 3252-A 19th St. 289-2000. www.ftloose.org

Fashion! Beep, beep! The de Young Museum dresses up with The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, the first exhibition devoted to the gay French fashion designer. Previously shown in Montreal and Dallas, the exhibit includes film and stage costumes, haute couture gowns and men's clothes, prints, video clips and more. Grand opening party Friday, March 23, 8pm ($250-$300). Reg admission $6-$20. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. Thru Aug. 19. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park. 750-3600. www.famsf.org

San Francisco Ballet's Program 6 includes Raymonda, Act II, RaKu and a world premiere, Guide to Strange Places, choreographed by Ashley Page. Thru April 3. Friday, March 23 is the third and last Nite Out LGBT post-concert party of the season. $32-$78. 8pm. War Memorial Opera House, 201 Van Ness Ave. www.sfballet.org/niteout

Amy Ray performs at the Great American Music Hall, Sunday, March 25. The Indigo Girl, currently on her U.S tour, performs faves and music from her new CD, Lung of Love. Lindsay Fuller opens. $16 (show only) $49 (with dinner). 8pm. 859 O'Farrell St. 885-0750. www.amy-ray.com www.gamh.com

For more pop music with heart, Ani DiFranco performs at The Fillmore with Seth Glier opening. $33-$45. Tuesday, March 27, 8pm. 1805 Geary Blvd.  www.livenation.com

Write on

Local and nationally known and admired authors, a playwright, and a producer whose work you probably know, step away from their manuscripts, out from behind the camera, and into the spotlight.

Local gay author Kirk Read (How I Learned to Snap) brings forth Computer Face, another witty insightful solo show about everything from Republicans to drugs and sex work. $10-$20. Fri & Sat 8pm. March 23 thru 31. The Garage, 975 Howard St. www.975howard.com   www.brownpapertickets.com/event/231453

Dave Eggers (A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius) shares an on-stage conversation, and gets a humanitarian award for his nonprofit work in literacy and education at the InForum Awards. $10-$45.  Thursday, March 22, 7pm. Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave. 392-4400. www.cityboxoffice.com

Enjoy a staged reading of Terminating, a new play by Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner (Angels in America), with an onstage discussion between the playwright and The Psychotherapy Institute's Associate Director, Mark Bronnenberg. Proceeds benefit The Psychotherapy Institute. $35-$65. Friday, March 23, 8pm. 2025 Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Addison St. 510-548-2250.  www.tpi-berkeley.org/kushner

Meet the potential literary stars of tomorrow at Queer Open Mic at Borderlands Cafe.

Barack Porres Hernandez hosts the reading/performance series. This month Jacks McNamara and Sean Patrick Mulroy are featured. Friday, March 23. Sign-up 7pm. Event 7:30pm. 870 Valencia St. 970-6998.   www.borderlands-cafe.com

A producer works behind the scenes, but Dante Di Loreto, TV and film producer (Glee, American Horror Story, Temple Grandin, Die Mommy Die!) discusses his career with the SF Chronicle's David Wiengand. $10-$25. Monday, March 26, 7pm.  Kanbar Hall, Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St. at Presidio. 292-1233. www.jccsf.org

The Magnet Book Club welcomes K. M. Soehnlein, the acclaimed local gay author of   The World of Normal Boys and other works, in conversation with host Oscar Raymundo. Tuesday, March 27. 7pm. 4122 18th St. www.magnetsf.org

You want more books? How about 400,000? Dig through stacks, plus DVDs, CDs, books on tape and records for $3 or less at the Spring Book Sale at Fort Mason. Member/donor preview sale and reception Mar. 28, 4pm-8pm. Free admission March 29-April1, 10am-6pm. Festival Pavilion, Buchanan St. at Bay. 626-7500. www.FriendsSFPL.org

Events March 22�"29, 2012

Thu 22

Certitude & Joy @ Bindlestiff Studio

Chamber opera by composer Erling Wold (Queer, Taking the Veil) based on a true story of a woman who tossed her children into a river "under God's instructions." $25-$35. Thu-Sun 8pm. Thru April 1. 185 6th St. www.erlingwold.com

Hope Mohr Dance @ Z Space

Former dancer with Trisha Brown premieres new works, and works by New York-based Dušan Týnek Dance Company. $20-$25. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru March 24. 450 Florida St. (800) 838-3006. www.hopemohr.org

Hot Greeks @ The Hypnodrome

Thrillpedllers revives the Cockettes' hilarious college comedy revue that meets ancient Greek bawdy burlesque in a new expanded version, with a new cast, costumes, songs and fabulous camp. $30-$35; $69 for a pair. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru May 5. 575 10th St. at Bryant & Division. (800) 838-3006.   www.thrillpeddlers.com

InForum Awards @ Herbst Theatre

Dave Eggers (A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius) shares an on-stage conversation, and gets a humanitarian award for his nonprofit work in literacy and education. $10-$45.  7pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. 392-4400. www.cityboxoffice.com

Lisa Townsend, Mica Sigourney @ CounterPulse

Performance work exploring Camus The Stranger (Townsend) and egocentric nightlife personae (Sigourney, aka VivvyAnne ForeverMore). $17-$30. Thu-Sun 8pm. 1310 Mission St. at 9th. 626-2060. www.counterpulse.org

Lynda Carter @ The Rrazz Room

Dazzling actress-singer (yes, she also played Wonder Woman on TV) returns by popular demand, to perform pop, rock, R&B and Broadway classics. $45-$55. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095.   www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Marilyn Pittman @ The Marsh

The veteran lesbian comic gets a little more serious in her solo show about her parents' tragic murder-suicide deaths; but wait, it's funny. $15-$35-$50. Thu 8pm, Sat 8:30pm, Sun 7pm thru April 15. Studio Theater, 1062 Valencia St. (800) 838-3006.  www.themarsh.org   

ODC Dance @ Novellus Theater

Cellist Zoe Keating accompanies a new dance by Brenda Way; plus dances by KT Nelson and bicycle art by Max Chen. $20-$55. Wed-Thu 7:30pm. Fri Sat 8pm. Sun 4pm. Thru March 25. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard St.   www.odcdance.org  www.ybca.org

Ralph Carney @ Oddball Films

Jazz multi-instrumenal musician performs, along with screenings of jazzy animated short films; proceeds benefit Save KUSF. $10-$15. 8pm. Also, Experimental Indian films, Mar. 23, 7:30pm $10. 275 Capp St. 558-8117. www.oddballfilms.blogspot.com

Fri 23

Aurora Borealis @ Claremont Hotel, Berkeley

Gala fundraiser for Aurora Theatre Company, celebrating its 20th anniversary, with a three-course dinner, fabulous auction items, including a trip to New York City, dinner with actress Rita Moreno, a 7-day cruise and more. $275 and up. 6pm.-12am. 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley. (510) 843-4042. www.auroratheatre.org

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof @ GK Hardt Theatre, Santa Rosa

Tennessee Williams' classic drama gets a local production. $15-$32. Fri & Sat 8pm. Thru March 25. Sun 2pm. 52 West 6th St. (707) 523-4185. www.6thstreetplayhouse.com

Choose Paint! Choose Abstraction! @ MOAD

Opening reception for a new exhibit of abstract art by African American artists. Members preview 6:30, public opening 7:30-9pm. Exhibit thru Museum of the African Disapora, 685 Mission St. 358-7200. www.moadsf.org

Classical Music Recitals @ SF Conservatory of Music

Nightly free concerts of performances by students and faculty. Check schedule online. 50 Oak St. 503-6265. www.sfcm.edu

The Coast of Utopia: Voyage @ Ashby Stage, Berkeley

Shotgun Players' staging of Tom Stoppard's first in a trilogy of works exploring a wealthy family in pre-revolutionary Russia. $7-$32. Wed & Thu 7pm. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun 5pm  Thru April 15. 1901 Ashby Ave. (510) 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org

Glengarry Glen Ross @ Actors Theatre

David Mamet's dark comedy about small-time real estate swindlers gets a local production. $26-$40. Wed-Sat 8pm. 855 Bush St. at Taylor. Thru March 24. www.actorstheatresf.org  

High @ Curran Theatre

Kathleen Turner stars (with young actor Evan Jonigkeit) in this limited run of Matthew Lombardo's drama about a nun working as a rehab counselor forced to confront her ideas about faith and recovery. $30-$100. Wed-Fri 8pm. Sat 2pm & 8pm. Sun 2pm, 7pm. Thru March 25.   445 Geary St. at Taylor. (888) 746-1799. www.shnsf.com

Kirk Read @ The Garage

Local gay author of How I Learned to Snap brings forth Computer Face, another witty insightful solo show about everything from Republicans to drugs and sex work. $10-$20. Fri & Sat 8pm. Thru Mar. 31. 975 Howard St. www.975howard.com   www.brownpapertickets.com/event/231453

The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later @ New Conservatory Theatre Center

The sequel to the groundbreaking drama, based on real interviews with people effected by the murder of Matthew Shepard, gets its San Francisco premiere. $18 (previews) $25-$40. Opoening night March 31. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru April 29. Previews thru  25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. www.nctcsf.org

Maurice @ New Conservatory Theatre Center

Andy Graham and Roger Parsley's erudite stage adaptation of E.M. Forster's pioneering 1914 novel about the romance between an aristocratic Englishman and a working-class groundskeeper. $22-$45. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Extended thru April 7.  25 Van Ness Ave. at Market, lower level. 861-8972.  www.nctcsf.org

Merchants @ Exit Stage Left

No Nude Men Productions' staging of Susan Sobeloff's drama about a n artist and her financial consultant sister's collaborative and lucrative scheme. $10-$25. Most Fri & Sat 8pm. Thru March 24. 156 Eddy St.  www.brownpapertickets.com/event/221334

Queer Open Mic @ Borderlands Cafe

Barack Porres Hernandez hosts the reading/performance series; this month Jacks McNamara and Sean Patrick Mulroy are featured. Sign-up 7pm. Event 7:30pm. 870 Valencia St. 970-6998.  www.borderlands-cafe.com

The Real Americans @ the Marsh

Dan Hoyle returns with his fascinating multiple-character solo show based on his cross-country trek into America's red states and liberal cities.  $25-$50. Fri 8pm. Sat 5pm. Sun 2pm. Thru April 14. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055.  www.themarsh.org

Red @ Berkeley Repertory

John Logan's (screenwriter of The Aviator, Gladiator and Hugo) Broadway hit about abstract painter Mark Rothko, engaged in a battle of wits, makes its West Coast debut. $14-$72. Tue-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. & 7pm Thru April 29. 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org

San Francisco Ballet @ War Memorial Opera House

Program 6: Raymonda, Act II, RaKu and a world premiere, Guide to Strange Places, choreographed by Ashley Page. Progam thru April 3. Mar. 23's the third and last Nite Out LGBT post-concert party (21+) of the season. $32-$78. 8pm. 201 Van Ness Ave. www.sfballet.org/niteout

Sing-Along The Wizard of Oz @ Castro Theatre

Have a jolly old time somewhere over the rainbow at the participatory screening of the musical classic, with hosts Laurie Bushman and David Hawkins. Costumes encouraged, with a contest. $10-$15. 7pm. Thru Mar. 25 at 2:30pm & 7pm; Also Mar. 30-April 1. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

Terminating @ Berkeley Repertory Theatre

Staged reading of a new play by Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner (Angels in America), with an onstage discussion between the playwright and The Psychotherapy Institute's Associate Director, Mark Bronnenberg. Proceeds benefit The Psychotherapy Institute. $35-$65. 8pm. 2025 Addison St. 510-548-2250.  www.tpi-berkeley.org/kushner

The Tennessee Menagerie @ Studio Theatre, Santa Rosa

An Evening with the Women of Tennessee Williams, a series of scenes from the gay playwright's classics. $10-$25. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. 6th Street Playhouse, 52 West 6th St., Santa Rosa. (707) 523-4185. www.6thstreetplayhouse.com

Tina D'Elia @ Shotwell Studios

The solo performer's The Rita Hayworth of this Generation is the story of Carmelita Cristina Rivera, a queer Latina performer whose passion, power and heartache impact her drive to stardom. $10-$15. Fri & Sat, 8pm; thru April 7. 3252-A 19th St. 289-2000. www.ftloose.org

True West, Buried Child @ Boxcar Theatre

Gritty dramas of battling brothers and family secrets; the first and second of four Sam Shepard plays the company will perform in repertory thru April 26. True West and Buried Child thru April 7. $25-$35, or $85-$120 full pass. 505 Natoma St. 967-2227. www.boxcartheatre.org

Sat 24

Arthur Tress: San Francisco 1964 @ de Young Museum

Veteran photographer of classic black & white images is featured in a new exhibit of rarely seen prints from San Francisco in 1964. Also, The Sculpture of Stephen De Staebler, whose figurative clay work draws inspiration from primitive cultures and artifacts; thru April 22. The Art of the Anatolian Kilim: Highlights from the McCoy Jones Collection thru June 10. Free-$10.  Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. 750-3600.  www.famsf.org

Audience as Subject @ YBCA

Mark Bradford (found material sculptures) and Audience as Subject, Part 2, (big photos of fans at soccer matches and rock concerts), plus other exhibits. Thru May 27. 701 Mission St. 978-2787.  www.ybca.org

Bad Habits @ Variety Theatre

Screening of a new Canadian documentary about the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. $10. 5pm-8pm. 582 Market St. , Hobart Building. www.thesisters.org

Bay Area Rainbow Symphony @ SF Conservatory of Music

Violinist and conductor Dawn Harms leads and performs, along with guests Symphony Parnassus, Mezzo soprano Federica Von Stade and sopranos Melody Moore and Nadine Sierra; works by Aaron Copland, Richard Strauss, Hansen and a world premiere by Clarice Assad. $15-$30. 8pm. Also Mar. 25. 50 Oak St.

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi

Musical comedy revue, now in its 35th year, with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. Reg: $25-$130. Wed, Thu, Fri at 8pm. Sat 6:30, 9:30pm. Sun 2pm, 5pm. (Beer/wine served; cash only). 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

The Cult of Beauty @ Legion of Honor

Subtitled The Victorian Avante-Garde, 1860-1900, this new exhibit focuses on the British Aesthetic Movement; paintings, architecture and decorative arts by Gabriel Rossetti, James McNeill Whistler, Edward Burne-Jones, E.W. Godwin, William Morris, Christopher Dresser and others. Free-$20. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. Thru June 17. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. 750-3620.  www.famsf.org

David Finchel, Wu Han @ First Congregational Church, Berkeley

Cellist and pianist perform Schubert Through Brahms: the Romantic Legacy. $46. 8pm. 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley.  (510) 642-9988.  www.calperformances.org

Digital Pics Sessions @ Mark I. Chester Studio

Fundraiser for the artist; get free photos for liking and linking on Facebook, or donate for a photos session. Sat & Sun and by appintment. 1229 Folsom St. at 8th. www.markichester.com

A Doctor in Spite of Himself @ Berkeley Repertory

Moliere's classic comedy �"about a man who impersonates a physician to woo his girl�"gets a zing-filled contemporary pop culture update in this co-production with Yale Repertory Theatre. $14-$73. Tue, Fri-Sat 8pm. Wed 7pm. Sun 2pm & 7pm. Thru March 25. 2015 Addison St., Berkeley.   (510) 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org

Eco Ensemble @ Hertz Hall, Berkeley

David Milnes conducts Berkeley's new music enseble in four new works. $30-$85. 8pm. Bancroft Way at College Ave., UC Berkeley campus. (510) 642-9988. www.calperformances.org

Eli Conley, Myles, Amy Bleu @ Actual Cafe, Oakland

Queer folk-rock singer-musicians perform. $5. 7pm-10pm. 6334 San Pablo Ave. www.eliconley.com

Jean Paul Gaultier @ de Young Museum

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, the first exhibition devoted to the gay french fashion designer (previously shown in Montreal and Dallas), includes film and stage costumes and haute couture, prints, video clips and more. Grand opening party March 23, 8pm ($250-$300). Reg admission $6-$20. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. Thru Aug. 19. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park. 750-3600. www.famsf.org

Julius Caesar @ Buriel Clay Theater

African-American Shakespeare Company's production of The Bard's classic tragedy of Roman intrigue and betrayal. $10-$35. 8pm. Sat 8 & Sun 3pm thru April 1. African American Art & Culture Complex, 762 Fulton St. at Webster. (800) 838-3006. www.African-AmericanShakes.org

Photography in Mexico @ SF Museum of Modern Art

New group exhibit of historic prints documenting Mexican life and culture since 1920. Free-$18. Open daily (except Wednesdays) 11am-5:45pm.; open late Thursdays, until 8:45pm. Thru July 8. 131 Third St. 357-4000.   www.sfmoma.org

The Pirates of Penzance @ Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, Berkeley

Berkeley Playhouse adapts the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta as a post-apocalyptic punk extravaganza; think Terry Gilliam's Brazil meets Glee. $17-$35. Special "pay what you can" Fridays. Mar. 9, 16, 23 & 30. Fri 7pm. Sat 2pm & 7pm. Sun 12pm & 5pm. Thru April 1. 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. (510) 485-8542.   www.berkeleyplayhouse.org

Robert Buelteman @ Sanchez Art Center, Pacifica

Exhibit of luminous floral photograms; plus works by other local artists in residence at the seaside arts center. Thru April 1. Fri-Sun 1pm-5pm. 1220-B Linda Mar Blvd. (650) 355-1894. www.buelteman.com  www.sanchezartcenter.org  

Rocket @ Rickshaw Stop

Rocket Collective (DJs Brian Maier, Trevor Sigler, David Sternesky and Mat dos Santos) launch a monthly night of tech, deep house, acid house and other genres; with guerilla-style surprise performances and a Burning Man ambiance, with proceeds going to the Burning Man group Camp Astropups. Space Age and Playa gear encouraged. $7. 10pm-2am. 155 Fell St. www.rocketsf.com  www.rickshawstop.com

Ruth Ann Miller @ Martuni's

Veteran comic and singer is joined by Pattie Lockard, John Miller, Donald Arquilla and the Tom Shaw Trio. $7. 7pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.lynnruthmiller.net   www.TomShawTrio.com

SF Hiking Club @ Mt. Wittenberg

Join gay outdoors enthusiasts for a 13-mile scenic hike alone the Point Ryes Nationla Seashore. Carpool meets 9:45am at the Safeway sign, Market St. at Dolores. (510) 910-8734. www.sfhiking.com

Soiree 10 @ Design Center Galleria

The SF LGBT Community Center celebrates its first decade ant a fun fundraiser. Theme is "Belle Epoque," vintage Pariain style. Performers include guest MC Marga Gomez, Veronica Klaus, Glamamore, Fauxnique, Bombshell Betty, Honey Mahogany, DJs from Hard French, Stay Gold Viennetta Discoteche and Some Thing. Silent auction, food, drinks and fabulous gay fun. $95-$125. 7pm-11pm. 101 Henry Adams St.  www.soiree10.com

Titus Andronicus @ La Val's Subterranean, Berkeley

Impact Theatre's up-close production of Shakespeare's most violent, gory drama. Prepare to be splattered. No, really. Don't wear clothes you don't want to get fake-bloody. $10-$20. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru Mar. 31. 1834 Euclid Ave. (510) 224-5744.   www.impacttheatre.com

Zakir Hussain @ Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley

Hussain and the Masters of Percussion peform Indian genre-defying works with dancers. $20-$85. 8pm. Bancroft Way at Telegraph Ave., UC Berkeley campus. (510) 642-9988.  www.calperformances.org

Sun 25

The Amazing Bubble Man @ the Marsh, Berkeley

Weekly showing of Louis Pearl's amusing kid-friendly bubble tricks. $8-$50. Sundays 11am. Thru May 27; then June 3-July 15. TheaterStage, 2120 Allston Way at shattuck. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Amy Ray @ Great American Music Hall

One half of Indigo Girls performs as part of her U.S tour. Ray performs faves and music from her new CD, Lung of Love. Lindsay Fuller opens. $16 (show only) $49 (with dinner). 8pm. 859 O'Farrell St. 885-0750. www.amy-ray.com www.gamh.com

Do Not Destroy @ Contemporary Jewish Museum

Trees, Art and Jewish Thought, a group exhibit exploring the tree in Jewish tradition; thru May 28. $5-$12. Thu-Tue 11am-5pm. 736 Mission St. at 3rd. 655-7800. www.thecjm.org

Faith Prince & Jason Graae @ The Rrazz Room

Broadway favorite actress (Billy Elliot) and cabaret veteran perform their witty musical duo act, The Prince and the Showboy. $40. 3pm. Also Mar 26 & 27 at 8pm. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Jessica Coker @ Martuni's

Comic singer, one third of the women's singing trio BOOBS, performs solo. 7pm. Part of Ray of Light Theatre company's spotlight Series. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.roltheatre.com

The Glamour the Better @ Glama-Rama

Exhibit of paintings and photos by Ciara Bedingfield, Hadley Northrop, and Sean Vallely. Thru April 7. 304 Valencia St. www.glamarama.com

Maharaja @ Asian Art Museum

The Splendor of India's Royal Courts, an expansive exhibit showcasing textiles, jewels and items from the heyday of the early Indian empires. Also, Sanjay Patel's Deities, Demons and Dudes with 'Staches: Indian Avatars; Tateuchi Thematic Gallery, 2nd floor. Special events thru exhibit run. $7-$17. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Thu til 9pm. Thru April 8, 2012. 200 Larkin St. 581-3500. www.asianart.org

Richard Goode @ Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley

Renowned pianist performs works by Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin. $30-$85. 3pm. Bancrioft Way at Telegraph Ave., UC Berkeley campus. (510) 642-9988. www.calperformances.org

SF Girls Chorus @ Calvary Presbyterian Church

Opera great Frederica Von Stade joins the chorus and other guest artists in a concert of works by Joan Szymko, David Conte, Purcell, Schubert, Paulus, Holst and others. $18-$35. 4pm. 2515 Fillmore St. 392-4400. www.cityboxoffice.com

Shando Darby @ Castro Country Club

Exhibit of the photographer's meditative landscape prints. Thru April 30. 4058 18th st. www.castrocountryclub.org

Sunday's a Drag @ Starlight Room

Donna Sachet and Harry Denton host the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.harrydenton.com

Various Exhibits @ Oakland Museum of Art

Bay Area figurative art. Also, the interactive Question Bridge: Black Males thru April 22. Dorothea Lange archive, early landscape paintings, Gold Rush Era works, California ceramics. Gallery of California Natural Sciences. $6-$12. 1000 Oak St. Oakland. (510) 318-8400. www.museumca.org

Mon 26

Daniel Dallabrida @ Magnet

Exhibit of ceramic and decollage works depicting themes of AIDS survivors, activism and elders in the gay community. A long-term HIV survivor, Dallabrida worked for years in the HIS community before studying sculpture in Italy. Exhibit thru March 28. 4122 18th St. 581-1613. www.dallabrida.com www.magnetsf.org

Dante Di Loreto @ Kanbar Hall

TV and film producer (Glee, American Horror Story, Temple Grandin, Die Mommy Die!) discusses his career with the SF Chronicle's David Wiengand. $10-$25. 7pm. Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St. at Presidio. 292-1233. www.jccsf.org

Equality California Party @ Amber India

Cocktail party fundraiser for the marriage equality nonprofit. Donations. 5pm-7pm. 25 Yerba Buena Lane at 4th. RSVP: (310) 266-0502. www.EQCA.org

Monday Musicals @ The Edge

The renovated bar now shows fun musicals each week. 7pm-2am (live show at 9pm). 2 for 1 Stoli cocktails. 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Omar d'Leon @ Paul Mahder Gallery

Exhibit of work by the Nicaraguan neo-magic realist painter. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm Sun 1pm-5pm. Thru March. 3378 Sacramento St. www.paulmahdergallery.com

Persons of Interest @ John Pence Gallery

Group exhibit of fascinating realist portraits and figures. Exhibit thru April 11. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat til 5pm. 750 Post St. 441-1138. www.johnpence.com

RuPaul's Drag Race @ Deco Lounge

Weekly viewing party of the fab drag queen 'reality' show's new season, with (live and local) Ruby Holiday, and Ginger Snap at the bar. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. 346-2025. www.decosf.com

Ten Percent @ Comcast 104

David Perry's talk show about LGBT people and issues. Mon-Fri 11:30am & 10:30pm. Sat & Sun 10:30pm. www.comcasthometown.com

Theatre Rhino Gala @ Eureka Theatre

Gay theatre company's benefit show, with Carlos Barrera, Connie Champagne, Dave Dobrusky, Mike Finn, Sarah Fiske and Collage Theatre, Marga Gomez, Casey Ley, Natasha Muse, Matthew Martin, Jim McCunn, Holly Nugent, Tom Orr, Valentine and the Cast of Shopping, the Musical! $25 includes food and drinks. 8pm. 215 Jackson St. at Front. (800) 838-3006. www.TheRhino.org

The Windows @ Central Market Stores

SF Arts Commission and the Northern California Chapter of the International Interior Design Association present a series of unique window installations based on artwork by children living in homeless shelters. Thru March 28. www.thewindows.org

Tue 27

Ani DiFranco @ The Fillmore

Folk rock veteran performs live. Seth Glier opens. $33-$45. 1805 Geary Blvd. www.livenation.com

The Art of Dr. Seuss @ Dennis Rae Fine Art

Fascinating exhibit of rarely seen prints, paintings, sculptures and a few of the more known drawings by Theodor Geisel, the author/illustrator of the immensely popular children's books. Ongoing, with updates and new items. 351A Geary St. 391-1948. www.dennisraefineart.com

Brian Dettmer @ Toomey Tourell Gallery

Beguiling pop culture collages made entirely out of books. Tue-Fri 11am-5:30pm Sat til 5pm. 49 Geary, 4th floor. Thru March 31. 989-6444. www.toomey-tourell.com

The Drag Show @ Various Channels

Stu Smith's weekly LGBT variety show features local talents, and not just drag artistes. Channels 29 & 76 on Comcast; 99 on AT&T and 30 on Astound. www.thedragshow.org

Elect to Laugh @ The Marsh

Will Durst welcomes comic commentator pals to a new weekly political humor night. $15-$50. 8pm. Thru Nov 6. 1062 Valencia St. at 21st. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey's

Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One drink or menu item minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

K.M. Soehnlein @ Magnet

The Magnet Book Club welcomes the acclaimed local gay author of The World of Normal Boys and other works in conversation with host Oscar Raymundo. 7pm. 4122 18th St. www.magnetsf.org

Pierre-Laurent Aimard @ Herbst Theatre

Brilliant pianist performs a concert of works by Kurtag, Schumann, Liszt and Debussy. $38. 8pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. 392 2545. www.sfperformances.org

Wed 28

Animation Exhibits @ Walt Disney Museum

See biographical exhibits about Walt Disney, early sketches and ephemera from historic Disney movies. Frequent lectures and film screenings. $5-$20. 104 Montgomery St., The Presidio. www.waltdisney.org

Author, Author @ SF Public Library

Michael Childer's photographs of prominent authors, screenwriters and playwrights (including several gay writers). 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org

Children of Paradise: Life With the Cockettes @ Canessa Gallery

Exhibit of Fayette Hauser's rarely seen photos of the famed drag theatre collective. Closing night party March 30. Exhibit hours Wed 12pm-3pm and by appointment. 708 Montgomery St. 296-9029. www.canessa.org

The Importance of Being Earnest @ Bankhead Theater, Livermore

Aquila Theatre Company's one-night performance of the Oscar Wilde comedy of manners. $14-$51. 7:30pm. 2400 First St., Livermore. (925) 373-6800. www.bankheadtheater.org

Life & Death in Black & White @ GLBT History Museum

AIDS Direct Action in San Francisco, 1985�"1990, focuses on the work of Jane Philomen Cleland, Patrick Clifton, Marc Geller, Rick Gerharter and Daniel Nicoletta, five queer photographers who documented the emergence of militant AIDS activism in San Francisco through the medium of black-and-white film. $5. Wed-Sat 11am-7pm. Sun 12pm-5pm. 4127 18th St. www.glbthistory.org

New Dances @ The Garage

Works by Angela Mazziotta, Julia Cost, requisitedance, Frederick Gaudette, Baindu Conte-Coomber and Opal Street Dance Improvisation Theater. $10-$20. 8pm. Also Mar. 29. 975 Howard St. www.975howard.com

Playland @ Conservatory of Flowers

New exhibit of miniature trains and buildings recreating the Sutro Baths, Cliff House and Playland amusement park of SF's yesteryears. $1.50-$5. Reg. hours Tue-Sun 10am-4pm. Thru April 15. 100 JFK Drive, Golden Gate Park. 831-2090. www.conservatoryofflowers.org

Seeing Double @ City Hall Gallery

The San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery's Art at City Hall program presents Seeing Double: The Best of DOUBLEtruck Magazine, a traveling exhibition of over 60 of the best photographs featured in the first five years of the award-winning quarterly magazine. Exhibit thru May 18. Ground floor, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. www.sfarts.org

Shame, Take Shelter @ Castro Theatre

Michael Fassbinder's compulsive sex film (2:30, 7pm), and Michael Shannon in a haunting rural allegory (4:35, 8:55). Double feature $10. Also, March 29, Pretty Poison (7pm) and Remember My Name (8:45). 429 Castro St. 621-6120. www.castrotheatre.com

Singing the Golden State @ Society of California Pioneers

Exhibit of beautiful sheet music and artwork from 1849 -1930s, all with California themes; curated James M. Keller, the exhibit includes a few subtly gay and historically transgender subjects. $2.50-$50. Wed-Fri 10am-4pm. First Saturdays 10am-4pm. 300 Fourth St. 957-1849. www.californiapioneers.org/singing_the_golden_state.html

Thu 29

Bare Chest Calendar Semi-Finals @ SF Powerhouse

Weekly contest where men strip their shirts off to compete in the annual fundraiser calendar. Thru March. 8pm. 1347 Folsom St. 552-8689. www.barechest.org www.powerhouse-sf.com

Comedy Bodega @ Esta Nocha

The new LGBT and indie comic stand-up night's hosted by "Mr. Gomez" (retired Telemundo extra and associate of comic Marga Gomez). 8pm-9:30pm. 3079 16th St. at Mission. www.comedybodega.com

The Human Form @ Robert Tat Gallery

Exhibit of vintage and contemporary photographic prints, including some stunning male and female nudes by James Bidgood, George Platt Lynes, Wilhelm Von Gloeden and others. Tue-Sat 11am-5:30pm. 49 Geary St. #410. 781-1122. www.roberttat.com

Human Rights Watch Film Festival @ YBCA

Last night of weekly screenings of films from around the world that focus on human rights abuses and freedoms. $6-$8. 7:30pm. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St. 978-2787. www.ybca.org

Maple & Vine @ American Conservatory Theatre

West Coast premiere of Jordan Harrison's dark comedy about a couple who give up contemporary life and join a group of 1950s reenactors who want to live life like "the good old days." Special LGBT Out With A.C.T. after-party April 11. $10-$95. Tue-Sat 8pm. Wed, Sat & Sun 2pm. Thru April 22. 415 Geary St. 749-2228. www.act-sf.org

The Monster Show @ The Edge

Cookie Dough's weekly raucous drag show with gogo guys.9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Pink Ribbons, Inc. @ YBCA

Leo Pool's examines the devestating reality of breast cancer versus the pink-themed fundraising industry's hypocrisy. $6-$8. 7pm & 9pm. Yerab Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St. 978-2787. www.ybca.org

Russell Thomkins, Jr. & The New Stylistics @ The Rrazz Room

Original member of The stylistics performs (with his unmistakably unique falsetto styling)R&B classics ("You Are Everything," "Stone in Love With You"). $42-$47.50. 8pm. Also Mar. 29 & 30, 8pm. Mar. 31, 7pm & 9:30pm. April 1, 7pm. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Sean Dorsey Dance @ Dance Mission Theater

The Secret History of Love, Dorsey's expanded dance-theatre work about the underground ways LGBT people have communicated and expressed their affections; based on oral histories of senior LGBTs. $15-$25. Thu-Sun 8pm. Also Sat & Sun 4pm. 3316 24th St. at Mission. www.seandorseydance.com www.dancemission.com

Spring Book Sale @ Fort Mason

400,000 books, DVDs, CDs, books on tape and records for sale ar $3 or less. Member/donor preview sale and reception Mar. 28, 4pm-8pm. Free admission Thu-Sun 10am-6pm. Festival Pavilion, Buchanan St. at Bay. 626-7500. www.FriendsSFPL.org

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550

The popular country western LGBT dance night. $5. 6:30pm-10:30pm with lessons from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Also Sundays 5pm-10:30pm with lessons from 5:30-7:15 pm. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org

Xavier Castellanos @ Alliance Francaise

Exhibit of quaint colorful paintings by the Mexican-Swiss gay artist. Thru March 31. 1345 Bush St. Also at Si Pietro Todd, 2239 Fillmore St., thru April21. www.xavierart.com

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To submit event listings, email [email protected].

Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication.

For more bar and nightlife events, go to www.bartabsf.com