As shopping season approaches, think twice about where you patronize and spend your gay dollars. Should you get the touristy Union Square urge (perfect for dazzling and exhausting visiting relatives), stop by John Pence gallery to see the visceral, shockingly skilled oil paintings of Zack Zdrale. At a mere 32, he's already becoming a master of masculine realist figure studies that pack a wallop. Opening reception is Friday, Nov. 20, 6pm-8pm, along with Jacob A. Pfeiffer, who also has a new exhibit of fascinatingly precise paintings. Regular hours are Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. Sat 10am-5pm. 750 Post St. www.johnpence.com

After losing yet another state marriage battle for gay Americans, your batteries need a charge of queer activism with Tim Miller at Yerba Buena Arts Center. The prominent gay solo performance artist brings his latest politically charged work, Lay of the Land, to YBCA Nov. 20 and 21, with a special weeklong performance workshop, culminating in a group performance Nov 22, 3pm. $20-$25. 8pm. 701 Mission St. 978-ARTS. www.TimMillerPerformer.com www.ybca.org

For an example of fortitude with a cool attitude, see the artistry of Ill Abilities, a cute quartet of differently-abled dancers, part of the Hip Hop DanceFest at the Palace of Fine Arts. Two dozen dance companies from around the world perform in this energetic concert of fresh moves, plus a master classes and an after-show party (see website), Nov. 20-22. $35-$62. 8pm. Sun 2pm. 3301 Lyon St. at Bay. 392-4400. www.sfhiphopdancefest.com

Being visited by a Dickensian ghost is now a 3-D hyper spectacular starring an overpaid comic actor. Humbug. I'd rather see ACT's live version, which opens next month. A contemporary version would be Ben, a gay filmmaker battling cancer, sarcastic ghosts, his own alcoholism and wayward libido in Jim Arnold's novel Benediction. Arnold reads and chats about his book at A Different Light, Saturday, Nov. 21. Free. 7:30pm. 489 Castro St. 431-0891. www.adlbooks.com. Read my Online Extra review of Benediction on www.ebar.com

If a simple beer and a song are you need to get your mojo on, you can relax with Three Guys, Six Strings at El Rio as Joshua Klipp, Joe Stevens and Storm Flores perform their original music. Sunday, Nov. 22. $5-$10. 3pm-6pm. 3158 Mission St. www.joshuaklipp.com www.elriosf.com

You want family friendly, cheerful fun to get through Thanksgiving? What's better than perky Austrians who sing their way out of Nazi entrapment? The Sing-Along Sound of Music at the Castro Theatre -the fabulous audience participation screening- includes a festive costume contest and full lyric subtitles (including Latin chants for the nun scenes). Climb every mountain, girlfriends! $10-$15. 7pm. Wednesday, Nov. 25, 7pm. Closed Thu. Fri-Sun 1pm and 7pm. Thru Nov. 29. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

Thu 19

Art Undressed
@ California Modern Art Gallery

Touring exhibit of 250 erotic art works, mostly female nudes, including 5 paintings by local bondage-themed artist Nancy Peach. Live body painting and other events. $10-$45. 6pm-12am. Thru Nov. 21. Silent art auction Nov. 21, proceeds going to AmFAR. Kinky after-party at 1015 Folsom, 9pm-3am. 1035 Market St. www.artundressed.net

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

Cinekink @ Yerba Buena Arts Center

Wild array of sexual-themed bondage SM films and short documentaries exploring kink with wit and variety. $6-$8. 7pm, 9pm. Thru Nov. 21 (different films each day). 701 Mission St. 978-2787. www.ybca.org

Confunkshun @ The Rrazz Room

Legendary funk group performs live. $30-$35. Wed-Thu 8pm. Fri-
Sat 7pm, 9:30pm. Sun 7pm. Thru Nov. 22. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason st. (866) 468-3399. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Gay American Smokeout @ Harvey Milk Plaza

Kick the Grim Reaper's Butt Out of the Castro. Join LGBT leaders as they say no to tobacco company donations and help chase a costumed Grim Reaper out of the Castro. Wear black clothes and skull make-up (optional). 5:30-6:30pm, Castro and Market sts.. 505-3486. www.butt-out.org

Isabella Rossellini @ Herbst Theatre

Actress and model shows clips from Green Porno, her commissioned environmental films and book about insect and animal mating habits. $20-$25. 8pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. 392-4400. www.cityarts.net

Johnny Mercer Tribute @ Cafe Du Nord

Donald Arquilla, Anne Marie Burgoyne, Michael Grove, Ethel Merman, Joe Wicht, the Tom Shaw Trio and many others perform Pardon My Southern Accent, a tribute to Mercer's 100th birthday. $12-$15. 8:30pm. 2170 Market St. 861-7374. www.cafedunord.com

Mariza @ Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley

Queen of Fado (Brazilain blues) performs live with her band. $24-$60. 8pm. Bancroft Way at Telegraph, UC Berkeley campus. (510) 642-9988. www.calperformances.org

Mary L. Gray @ A Different Light

Author of Out in the Country reads from and discusses her book about gays in rural Appalachia and Kentucky. Free. 7:30pm. 489 Castro St. 431-0891. www.adlbooks.com

Me, Myself and I @ Brava Theatre

Solo performance series with artists exploring race, gender identity and family dysfunction, with D'Lo, Jeanne Haynes, Rachel Parker and Anthem Salgado. $7-$20. Tue 7pm, Thu-Sun 8pm. Sun 3pm. Thru Dec. 3. 2789 24th St. www.brava.org

Reason to Party @ St. Regis Ballroom

Gala fundraiser for Maitri Hospice, with champagne, vodka drinks, skincare and hairstyling experts. $30. 7pm-12am. 125 Third St. www.reasontoparty.org

Stuart E. Weisberg @ Books Inc.

Author of Barney Frank: The Story of America's Only Left-Handed, Gay, Jewish Congressman discusses his book. Free. 7:30pm. 2275 Market St. at Noe. 864-6777. www.booksinc.net

Tings Dey Happen
@ Marines Memorial Theatre

Dan Hoyle's fascinating solo show (premiered at The Marsh) about oil industry corruption in Nigeria returns in a different theatre. $25-$45. Thu-Sat 8pm Sun 2pm. (no show Nov. 19, 26; 9pm Nov. 7)Thru Nov. 29. 609 Sutter St. 2nd floor. 771-6900. www.marinesmemorialtheatre.com

Vicki Starr's Love and Labors
@ GLBT Historical Society

Scholar Horatio Roque Ramirez discusses the life of a legendary San Francisco transgender Puerto Rican stripper and nightclub star of the 1960s. Free. 6pm-8pm. 657 Mission St. at 3rd. Suite 300. 777-5455. www.glbthistory.org

Warren Miller's Dynasty @ Castro Theatre

Fantastic collection of stunt ski footage from around the world. $7-$10. 8pm. 429 Castro St. www.WarrenMiller.com www.castrotheatre.com

Fri 20

ARTumnal Gathering @ Bentley Reserve

Fundraising extravanganza for the Black Rock Foundation, which funds the art projects at Burning Man; live shows with Capacitor, Dr. Abacus, Fou Fou HA!, Kerri Kresinski, Loyd Family Players, Lucent Dosier, Matthew Schoening, Ubuv; DJs live acts, live and silent auction items. $35-$45. 9pm-late (6pm pre-event dinner $200 and up). 400 Sansome St. www.blackrockarts.org

As It Is In Heaven @ Live Oak Theatre, Berkeley

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley performs Arlene Hutton's unique drama about the women of the Shaker religion, with traditional music performed live. $12-$15. Fri-Sat 8pm. Thru Nov. 21. 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman. (510) 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org

Back to Our Roots @ Purple Onion

Imperial Council and Reigning Emperor Paul Maka Poole & Empress Angelina Josephina Manicotti host a show with Irene Soderberg, T.J.Istvan, Donna Sachet, Brian Benamati, Emma Peel, Trauma Flintstone, Bebe Sweetbriar, Ed Morgan, Mark Paladini, and Jose Sarria, Founder of the International Court System. $10. 2-drink minimum. 8pm. 140 Columbus Ave.

The Bald Soprano @ Exit Theater

Cutting Ball Theater company's production of Rob Melrose's translation of Eugene Ionesco's chaotic comedy of a dinner party gone awry. $15-$30. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 5pm. Thru Dec. 12. 277 Taylor St. (800) 838-3006. www.cuttingball.com

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

Bead and Design Show @ Hotel Whitcomb

Showcase of work by 150 artists, artisans and merchants; handmade beads, wearable art, ethnographic art, designer components, gold and silver, embellishments, lapidary, art jewelry, ceramics, gemstones, glass art, textiles, fiber arts, metalwork, enameling, art couture, handwovens, collectibles, $10. 12pm-8pm. Also Nov. 21 10am-6pm, Nov. 22, 10am-5pm. 1231 Market St. at 8th. (530) 274-1123. www.sanfranciscobeadanddesignshow.com

Beautiful Thing @ New Conservatory Theatre

Jonathan Harvey's sweet play about two British teens who fall in love. $22-$40. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Jan. 3. 25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org

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

Fat Pig @ Aurora Theatre, Berkeley

Neil LaBute's dark comedy about body consciousness in America. Tom falls in love with a large woman, and his friends freak out. $15-$55. Tue 7pm. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm, 7pm. Thru Dec. 6. 2081 Addison St. (510) 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org

Hip Hop DanceFest @ Palace of Fine Arts

Two dozen dance companies from around the world perform in this energetic concert of fresh moves; master classes and after-show party (see website). $35-$62. 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Nov. 22. 3301 Lyon St. at Bay. 392-4400. www.sfhiphopdancefest.com

I Heart Hamas @ Off-Market Theater

Jennifer Jajeh's tragicomic autobiographical solo show about returning to her parent's hometown of Ramallah, Palestine at the start of the second Intifada. $20. Thu & Sat 8pm. Thru Nov. 21. 965 Mission St. at 5th. www.ihearthamas.com

Lineage @ GLBT Historical Society

Closing reception for Matchmaking in the Archives, E.G. Crichton's exhibit matching contemporary artists with archives of local LGBTs. Free/donations. 5pm-8pm. 657 Mission St. at 3rd, #300. 777-5455. www.glbthistory.org

November
@ American Conservatory Theatre

David Mamet's farce about a corrupt president, wily lobbyists, and a naive lesbian speech writer, who all wrangle over pardoning a turkey. $10-$82. Tue-Sat 8pm. Sat, Sun 2pm. Thru Nov. 22. 415 Geary St. 749-2228. www.act-sf.org

Not a Genuine Black Man
@ Off Market Theater

Brian Copeland's lengthy run of his solo show continues. $25. 8pm. Sat 5pm. Thru Nov. 21. 965 Mission St. at 5th. (800) 838-3006. www.briancopeland.com

Otello @ War Memorial Opera House

San Francisco Opera's production of Verdi's opera based on Shakespeare's tragedy. $20-$250. 8pm. Also Nov 21 at 8pm; Nov. 25 & Dec. 2, 7:30pm. Nov. 29, 2pm. 301 Van Ness Ave. 864-3330. www.sfopera.com

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. Original Cockette Rumi Missabu reprises his role as the evil Madame Gin Sling. Katya Smirnoff-Skyy and Leanne Borghesi will alternate in the role of Petrushka, first created by disco diva Sylvester. $30-$69. 8pm. Extended, Fri & Sat thru Jan. 23. Also, The Torture Garden and The Phantom Limb, strange stuff from the Grand Guignol era. $25 (regular seats) $69 (shock box seats or Turkish Lounge). Thru Nov. 23. 575 10th. (800) 838-3006. www.thrillpeddlers.com

Penny Arcade @ The Marsh

Veteran performer disses Bourgeois faux-Bohemians in her solo show, New York Values. $15-$35. 8pm. Nov. 21, 5pm. Nov. 22, 3pm. 1062 Valencia St. at 22nd. Studio theatre. (800) 838-3006. www.themarsh.org

Performing Diaspora @ CounterPulse

Final week of the multicultural dance festival, with works from the Philipines, India, Greece and Bejing by Dulce Capadocia, Devendra Sharma, Prumsodun Ok, Wang Fei and Yannis Adoniou.Kunst-Stoff. $15-$25. 8pm. Thru Nov. 22. 1310 Mission St. at 9th. www.counterpulse.org

The Possession of Mrs. Jones @ 6th St. Playhouse, Santa Rosa

Darcy Drollinger's darkly comic play about a suburban housewife caught up in a battle between God and the devil. $15-$35. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sat-Sun 2pm. Thru Dec. 6. 52 West 6th St. www.6thstreetplayhouse.com

Rashomon @ Castro Theatre

Akira Kurosawa's classic dramatic film, in a restored 35mm print; Japanese, with English subtitles. 7pm, 9:10pm. Sat Sun also 2:30, 4:45. $8-$10. Thru Nov. 22. Also, a special midnight screening of the new faux-retro blaxploitation flick, Black Dynamite! 12am. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

Reality Playings
@ Temescal Arts Center, Oakland

Frank Moore's monthly improvised musical theatre dance interactive performance. 511 48th St. (510) 526-7858. www.temescalartscenter.org

She Stoops to Comedy @ SF Playhouse

David Greenspan's comic play-within-a-play about actors on gender-bending romantic adventures during a production of Shakespeare's As You Like It. $30-$40. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sat 3pm. Some Wed & Sun matinees. Thru Jan. 9. 533 Sutter St. at Powell. 677-9596. www.sfplayhouse.org

Theatre Flamenco @ Cowell Theater

Fierce local company of dancers and musicians are joined by Spanish percussionists, guitarists and dancers in a new work, Ser Y Estar. $25-$29. 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Nov. 22. Fort Mason, Bldg. A. 345-7575. www.theatreflamenco.org www.fortmason.org

Tim Miller @ Yerba Buena Arts Center

Prominent gay solo performance artist brings his latest politically charged work, Lay of the Land, to YBCA. $20-$25. 8pm. 701 Mission St. Thru Nov. 21. Special weeklong performance workshop, culminating in a group performance Nov 22, 3pm. 978-ARTS. www.TimMillerPerformer.com www.ybca.org

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? @ Actors Theatre

Local production of Edward Albee's classic drama about a booze-fueled fight between unhappy academics. $14-$40. Thu-Sat 8pm. 855 Bush St. 345-1287. www.actorstheatresf.org

Sat 21

Bearracuda @ Deco Lounge

Peaches Christ hosts a night of bear debauchery as Bearracuda guru Matt gets a birthday party, with Precious Moments, Suppositori Spelling, tunes by DJ PeePlay and Boyshapedbox. $5-$8. 10pm-3am. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.bearracuda.com

Art of Restraint @ Femina Potens

Rope artists Two Knotty Boys, Madame Butterly, Fivestar, and a special act with Margaret Cho! Plus other kinky acts at the exhibit of human bodily rituals turned into art by Jeeti, Shelley Monahan, and Daisy Eneix. Proceeds benefit Under One Roof. $75. 8pm. 2199 Market St. at Sanchez. www.feminapotens.org

Ethan Russell @ SF Art Exchange

Exhibit of historic photos of rock and roll celebrities of the 1960s by the Rolling Stone photographer. Free. 458 Geary St. (800) 344-9633. www.sfae.com

Fauxgirls @ Kimo's

Drag show with Victoria Secret, Alexandria, Chanel, Davida Ashton, Pinky Bubbles, Tiger Lily, Maria Garza, Shelly Wilde and more. No cover. 10pm. 1351 Polk St. 885-4535. www.fauxgirls.com

The Graceland Girls
@ Ashby Stage, Berkeley

Ensemble of lesbian musicians and actors, all age 50-plus, perform uplifting comic sketches and musical numbers. 8pm. Also Nov. 22, 2pm. 1901 Ashby Ave. (Also Dec. 5, 8pm and Dec. 6, 2pm at the Victoria Theatre, San Francisco). (510) 681-9740. www.gracelandgirls.com

Jim Arnold @ A Different Light

The author of Benediction reads from his novel, about a gay filmmaker battlling cancer, sarcastic ghosts, double-crossing coworkers, and his own alcoholism and wayward libido. Free. 7:30pm. 489 Castro St. 431-0891. www.adleventscastro.blogspot.com

Kevin Grady @ Gallery 405

Gay artist's exhibit of unusual baby doll collage sculptures. 2111 Mission St. 786-5175. www.salvagedart.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 Dec. 12. 1074 Valencia St. at 21st. (800) 838-3006. www.themarsh.org

Out of This World @ California Museum, Sacramento

Exhibit of costumes from popular science fiction and adventure films; Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Batman, The Wizard of Oz, original Star Trek, etc. $6-$8.50. Thru Jan. 10. 1020 O St. (916) 653-7524. www.californiamuseum.org

Pastor Tom Show @ KUSF

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

Pulp Scripture @ Off Market Theatre

A Fringe Festival hit, William Bivin's naughty play takes on the steamy stories in the Old Testament, produced by Original Sin Productions and Piano Fight. $20. Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4pm. Thru Dec. 13. 965 Mission St. www.originalsinproductions.com

Rabbi Sam @ The Marsh

Charlie Varon's solo show about Sam Isaac, an ambitious rabbi; music by Bruce Barth. $20-$25. Sat 8pm. Sun 7pm. Extended thru Dec. 12. 1062 Valencia St. at 22nd. (800) 838-3006. Thru Nov. 22. www.themarsh.org

Raw Dance @ The Garage

Dances with science/scifi themes: Species by Kira Kirsh & Kelly Keenan, and Space Garbage by LizzieMoves Co. $10-$20. 8pm. Also Nov. 22. 885-4006. www.975howard.com

Rob Anderson @ Ohlone College, Fremont

Exhibit of unusual anatomical drawings; Anderson is also the designer of the iconic 1982 "Gay Olympic Games" poster. Free. 7pm. Exhibit thru Feb 6. Gary Soren Smith Center, 43600 Mission Blvd. (510) 659-6176. www.ohlone.edu/org/artgallery

Snap/shot: 99 Years of Looking Fabulous
@ 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

Taylor Eigsti & Julian Lage @ Wheeler Auditorium, Berkeley

Jazz pianist Eigsti, a 2-time Grammy nominee, performs with guitarist Lage. $36. 8pm. Bancroft Way at Telegraph Ave., UC Berkeley campus. (510) 642-9988. www.calperformances.org

Teatro Zinzanni @ Pier 29

Under the Gypsy Moon is the new show at the theatre-tent-dinner extravaganza with new guest chanteuse Duffy Bishop, comic Geoff Hoyle, and music, magic, comedy, aerial acts, a five-course dinner, and a lot of fun. $117-$195. Wed-Sat 7pm (Sun 6pm). Pier 29 at Embarcadero Ave. 438-2668. www.teatrozinzanni.com

Tiny Kushner @ Berkeley Repertory

Five short politically-themed plays about Nixon's shrink, tax cheats and Laura Bush, penned by Tony Kushner, the eloquent, Pulitzer Prize-winning (Angels in America) gay playwright. $27-$71. Tues-Sat 8pm. Sat also 2pm. Sun 2pm, 7pm. Thru Nov. 29. Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St. (510) 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org

Tokyo Creators Market @ Superfrog Gallery

Fascinating new exhibit of on-sale pop art by Japanese artists Junko Mizuno, Kazmo, Kim Songhe, Mikito Ozeki, Noritake, Yuichi Yokoyama. Meet the artists at special events all day. New People World, 1746 Post St. 525-8631. www.superfroggallery.com www.newpeopleworld.com/arts

Tropical Vulture @ Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

Cross-generational project which highlights the artistic influences between George Kuchar, a Bay Area legend of independent filmmaking, and Mexican artist Miguel Calder—n; special screening and events through the exhibit run. $5-$7. Thu-Fri 2pm-8pm. Sat 12pm-8pm. Sun 12pm-6pm. Free 1st Tuesdays of each month, 12pm-8pm. Thru Jan. 10. Gallery 3, 701 Mission St. 978-2787. www.ybca.org

Amish Abstractions @ de Young Museum

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. Thru June 6. Also, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, a fascinating exhibit of ancient Egyptian artifacts from the famous empire, set in a maze-like series of galleries. $16.50-$27.50. 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. Daily 9am-9pm. Thru March 2010. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive (877) 888-8587. www.deyoungmuseum.org

Very Postmortem: Mummies and Medicine @ Legion of Honor

New exhibit of ancient Egyptian artifacts using high-tech 3D scanning, so you can get an inside look at the 2500-year-old mummies. Free-$10. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. Lincoln Park, 34th Ave. at Clement. www.legionofhonor.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

The Wizard of Oz
@ Julia Morgan Arts Center, Berkeley

Berkeley Playhouse's production of the musical based on the L. Frank Baum children's book. $19-$28. Fri 2pm, 7:30pm. Sat 2pm, 7pm. Sun 1pm, 4pm. Thru Dec. 6. 2640 College Ave. (510) 665-5565. www.berkeleyplayhouse.org

Sun 22

Carly Ozard @ Martuni's

Acclaimed local cabaret singer performs her witty act, Bewitched, Bothered and Bipolar. $5. 7pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.CarlyOzardLive.com

Five O'Clock Jive @ Live Art Gallery

Swing dancing for same-sex partners and pals. $5. 5pm-8pm. 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. www.QueerJitterbugs.com

Fresh @ Ruby Skye

Pre-thanksgiving T-Dance with DJ Kimberly S. and a gaggle of gorgeous gogo guys and gals. Partial proceeds benefit Maitri hspice. $20-$25. 6pm-12am. 21+. 420 Mason St. at Geary. www.freshsf.com

Happy Hour @ Energy Talk Radio

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

SF Hiking Club @ Mt. Tam

GLBT hikers take a 7-mile trek along Marin's Matt Davis Trail through Steep Ravine. Carpools 9am at the Safeway sign, Market St. at Dolores. 242-4376. www.sfhiking.com

South of the Slot @ Powerhouse

Release party for the new unique map and trivia board game about the fabulous history of South of Market gay bars and culture. No cover. 7pm-10pm. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Star Trek: The Exhibition @ Tech Museum, San Jose

Exhibit of costumes, props, set recreations and more from all five Star Trek TV series and 11 feature films. Flight simulator extra. (408) 294-TECH (8324) www.thetech.org

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

Three Guys, Six Strings @ El Rio

Joshua Klipp, Joe Stevens (of Coyote Grace) and Storm Flores perform their original music. $5-$10. 3pm-6pm. 3158 Mission St. www.joshuaklipp.comwww.elriosf.com

Mon 23

David Smith @ Given

Little Tragedies, an exhibit of Smith's creepy-comic portraits of Marie Antoinette and others; at the new gift shop, and formerly Harvey Milk's camera shop. Thru Nov. 30. 575 Castro St. 865-0353. www.givenonline.com

Lee Lessack, Linda Purl @ The Rrazz Room

Two veteran cabaret stars perform a Johnny Mercer 100th birthday tribute. $35. 8pm. Thru Nov. 25. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 468-3399. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

RAW Dance @ The Garage

Structured improvisational works by Aura Fischbeck Dance, the Rile Project, Christine Cali and Sam Stone. $10-$20. 8pm. Also Nov. 24. 975 Howard St. 885-4006. www.975howard.com

Ten Percent @ Comcast 104

David Perry's new talk show about LGBT local issues. This week, Antonia Russo about her work with the transgender business community, and Jeff Cotter, Founder/Executive Director of the Rainbow World Fund. 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 24

Bollywood Beats @ Lake
Merritt Dance Center, Oakland

Weekly beginners lessons in Bollywood dancing, in an LGBT-friendly class. $15/drop-in - $80/month, with performance opportunities. 7pm-9pm. 200 Grand Ave. upstairs. www.rokenoirproductions.com

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

David Faulk @ Visual Aid

Exhibit of amusing paintings by the local artist. Free. Thru Dec. 15. 116 New Montgomery St. #640. www.visualaid.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

Heidi McDowell @ Bioscrip Pharmacy

Exhibit of urban landscape paintings. Thru Dec. 15. 2262 Market St. www.visualaid.org

Jeeti Singh @ Center for Sex & Culture

Exhibit of paintings and other art depicting large Asian women, questioning depictions of female body types. Thru Dec. 12. 1519 Mission St. at 11th. 255-1155. www.sexandculture.org

Marsha Weisbrot @ Mom's Pharmacy

Exhibit of collages. Thru Dec. 15. 4071 18th St. www.visualaid.org

Punk Passage @ SF Public Library

New exhibit, San Francisco First Wave Punk 1977-1981, 45 photographs by Ruby Ray documenting the Bay Area punk music scene; flyers, posters and other items on display, too. Free. Thru Dec. 6. Jewitt Gallery. 100 Larkin St. 557-4400. www.sfpl.org

Van Darkholme, Christine Kessler
@ Mister/Madame S

Dual exhibit of male and female models in bondage at the SM/bondage/kink toy shop.11am-7pm. 385 8th St. www.mr-s-leather.com www.madame-s.com www.fpedge.com

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 25

Contemporary Brazilian Art
@ Yerba Buena Arts Center

When Lives Become Form: Contemporary Brazilian Art, 1960s to the Present, a new exhibit about modern Brazilian art, focusing on design and 1960s Tropicalia, Thu, Fri 2pm-8pm. Sat 12pm-8pm, Sun 12pm-6pm. Free First Tuesdays of the month, 12pm-8pm. thru Jan. 31. 701 Mission St. www.ybca.org

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

Sing-Along Sound of Music @ Castro Theatre

The fabulous audience participation screening, including the festive costume contest, returns with full lyric subtitles (including Latin chants for the nun scenes). Climb every mountain! $10-$15. 7pm. Closed Thu. Fri-Sun 1pm and 7pm. Thru Nov. 29. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

There's a Mystery There:
Sendak on Sendak @ Contemporary Jewish Museum

Largest exhibit of watercolors, drawing rare sketches and other works by Maurice Sendak, creator of the popular books Where the Wild Things Are. See the personal "other story" behind the creatures. Special events throughout the exhibit run. $5-$10 (18-under free). Thu-Tue 11am-5pm. Thu 1pm-8pm. Thru Jan. 19, 2010. 655-7800. 736 Mission St. at 3rd. www.thecjm.org

Thu 26

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

Out in the Bay @ KALW 91.7 FM

LGBT radio show with host Eric Jansen. 7pm (right after NPR's Fresh Air). www.KALW.org www.OutInTheBay.com

Queer Ballroom @ Live Art Gallery

New weekly beginers dance classes. $10-$35 (for series). Also Nov. 19. 8pm. 151 Potrero Ave. 305-8242. www.QueerBallroom.com

Richard Avedon @ SF Museum of Modern Art

Retrospective of more than 200 images of celebrities, models and cowboys taken by the famed 20th-century photographer. Thru Nov. Nice variety of Modern art in the permanent gallery. Free-$15. Thu-Tue 10am-5:30pm. 151 Third St. at Mission. 357-4000. www.sfmoma.org

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If available, provide color medium-resolution images (maximum two megabytes; jpg only, no gifs, tiffs, PDFs or BMPs) of performers or events, with photographer's name for credit. Links to online image galleries preferred.

Email to jim@ebar.com

Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication.