Wednesday 2/25: Books, Inc. presents the intriguing pair of novelist Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snickett) and poet Matthew Zapruder, under the heading “Poets and Pirates”. Handler will read from his new novel, We Are Pirates. These two are literary royalty in San Francisco and beyond. It should be a memorable night. Free, 7 p.m., Books, Inc.
At UC Berkeley, the Holloway Series continues with poet Peter Gizzi. Free, 6:30 p.m., 315 Wheeler Hall, UC Berkeley.
Passages on the Lake has established itself as one of Oakland’s premiere reading series over the last 10 months. For number 10, curator Paul Corman-Roberts presents novelist April Sinclair, along with storyteller Andre Wilson, poet David Welper and the poetry + violin duo of Pagan Nell and Alan Shearer. Free, 7:30 p.m., The Terrace Room.
Thursday 2/26: Poetry Flash presents two award-winning poets, Chana Bloch and Rusty Morrison, at its long running poetry series at Moe’s Books in Berkeley. Free, 7:30 p.m., Moe’s Books.
Every week, former poet laureate of San Francisco Jack Hirschman curates Thursdays at Readers, typically presenting writers whose work reflects a vibrant political consciousness. This week the readers are Q. R. Hand and Tony Robles. Free, 6:30 p.m., Readers Bookstore.
Friday 2/27: Two fine SF art organizations band together when Radar Productions and Galeria de la Raza present The Banned Book Book Club POC Edition , hosted by Virgie Tovar, at which several writers will read some of their favorite passages from banned books by people of color. Readers: Rina Ayuyang, Juliana Delgado, MariNaomi, Mason J, and Maya Chinchilla. $5 suggested donation, 7 p.m., Galeria de la Raza.
Saturday: 2/28: If you can afford it, it is worth supporting The Thirteenth Annual MFA Creative Writing Scholarship Fund Benefit for St. Mary’s College MFA Program in Creative Writing featuring Michael Krasny, Robert Hass, and Brenda Hillman. $100 ($50 for SMC alumni), 6 p.m., Dolby Chadwick Gallery.
For the rest of us, there is Heart’s Desire, the monthly reading series hosted by the wonderful (and always free) Bay Area Public School, featuring Dodie Bellamy, Amy Berkowitz, and Yume Kim. Free, 8 p.m., Omni Oakland Commons.
Sunday 3/1: Here’s a second chance to check out the Bay Area Public School which will host a talk with poet and former abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center, Norman Fischer. The presentation will include extended periods of silence as well as video provided by poet Denise Newman. Definitely not the same ol’ , same ol’. Free, 6 p.m., Omni Oakland Commons.
Monday 3/2: Quiet Lightning strikes again! There’ll be a dozen readers curated by Alexandra Kostoulas and Quiet Lightning’s founding curator, noted supporter of all things literary in San Francisco, Evan Karp. $5-$10 (includes free Lagunitas beer), 7 p.m., WeWork Golden Gate. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Tuesday 3/3: The ghost of Herb Caen will surely be attending the Top of the Mark: Poetry & Jazz Series, hosted by The Beat Museum throughout March and April at one of San Francisco’s most iconic venues. The series debuts tonight with current San Francisco poet laureate Alejandro Murguía. Free, 6:30 p.m., The Top of the Mark.
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This week’s theatre recommendation is the world premiere of local playwright Patricia Milton’s Enemies: Foreign and Domestic by Central Works. Central Works is a Berkeley theatre company that develops and produces new work exclusively, now in their 22nd year. Patricia Milton is an award-winning playwright with a growing reputation. Enemies: Foreign and Domestic is a wickedly funny black comedy that relates an intimate history of family trauma and abuse while drawing fascinating parallels between domestic abuse, terrorism, and the waging of war. Read a review here. For further information, including ticket prices, times and venue location, click here.
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This week’s featured local author is Jon Sindell (click here to read an interview):
