Visual art with a gay edge is a ripe harvest of auctions, exhibits, and unusual parties and performances.

Friday, Nov. 13, finish off the superstitiously unlucky day with Aesthletics: Drinking and Dancing at The Lab. Tom Russotti's whimsical conceptual art project combines sports with art in a booze-filled competitive edge. See how long you can dance while drunk. Queer band Adonisaurus performs; Fauxnique guest-judges. Free. 21+. 8pm. Residency thru Nov. 21. Wed-Sat 1pm-6pm. 2948 16th St. www.aesthletics.org www.thelab.org

Big (Blue) Deal at SOMArts Center, Saturday, Nov. 14, Visual Aid's annual massive auction of more than 600 unique works of art, includes a Fixed Price lottery auction, plus a live auction, food, drinks, and DJed music. Proceeds benefit their programs for artists with disabilities and HIV. $45-$75. Preview 4pm. Auction 6:30pm. www.visualaid.org

Big Idea at Yerba Buena Arts Center, also Nov. 14, hosts a big party with a special "State of the Queer Nation" theme, food, drinks ($3-$5), a Soapbox Social with Tim Miller, Anna Conda, Sister Vicious Power-Hungry Bitch and more from 7pm-9pm. The party's 9pm-2am, with the Diamond Daggers, Alotta Boutte, Simone de la Getto, La Chica Boom, Kentucky Fried Woman and Chubb. You can also see the exhibits, including When Lives Become Form: Contemporary Brazilian Art, 1960s to the Present, a new exhibit about modern Brazilian art focusing on design and 1960s Tropicalia. Free/RSVP. 701 Mission St. at 3rd. 978-2787. www.ybca.org

On a smaller scale, also Nov. 14 is the opening reception for Kevin Grady at Gallery 405, the gay artist's exhibit of unusual baby doll collage sculptures. Free. 7pm-10pm. 2111 Mission St. 786-5175. www.salvagedart.com

Sunday, Nov. 15, is it art or film? Erased James Franco at the Castro Theatre asks this question as the cutey-pie actor appears for a Q&A with director Carter, whose unusual film deconstructs Franco's recent roles, and has him redo Julianne Moore's role in Todd Haynes' Safe. Also, a screening of the Rock Hudson film Seconds, referenced in the Franco film, at 6pm. Franco at 8pm. $7-$10. 429 Castro St. Other films at SF MOMA, 151 3rd St. www.castrotheatre.com

For a great collectivist art project, Saturday, Nov. 14 is the opening day of Snap/shot: 99 Years of Looking Fabulous at the Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library, a new exhibit of historic and recent photos donated by LGBT community members. Thru Feb 14. 1 Jose Sarria Court, 16th & Market sts. www.sfpl.org

You can also check out the Benefit Auction Preview at SF Camerawork, an exhibit of fascinating historic and contemporary photos by a diverse 200-plus array of artists, including Alfred Stieglitz, Paul Strand, Edward Weston, Robert Mapplethorpe, Bernice Abbott and Edward Steichen. Free previews Tue-Sat 12pm-6pm. The auction's Dec. 5, 1pm. $30. 657 Mission St. 2nd floor. 512-2020. www.sfcamerawork.org

We love free queer art! Ongoing at the LGBT Center is Depth & Distance III: Out of the Closet and On the Wall at the LGBT Center, a group exhibit of art by seniors and disabled clients at New Leaf. 1800 Market St. at Octavia. www.sfcenter.org

Also free, A Compassionate Eye: the Work of Victor Arimondi, an exhibit of photos by the prolific late gay Italian photographer, is at the SF Public Library's Hormel Center, 100 Larkin St. www.victorarimondi.net www.sfpl.org

For the slightly kinky, check out Ritual at Femina Potens, an exhibit of human bodily rituals turned into art by Jeeti, Shelley Monahan, and Daisy Eneix. 2199 Market St. at Sanchez. www.feminapotens.org

Get tied up in kinky art with prints by Van Darkholme and Christine Kessler at Mister/Madame S, a 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

Thu 12

Ashford & Simpson @ The Rrazz Room

Legendary R&B duo perform at the intimate cabaret. $47.50-$55. 8pm. Sun at 7pm. Thru Nov. 15. Nov. 16, jazz with the Mike Greensill Trio ($25). Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 468-3399. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Bisexual Support Group @ New Leaf

Weekly meetings. Free. 2pm. Hayes St. at Market. 626-7000.

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

Contra-Tiempo @ CounterPulse

LA-based urban Latin dance company performs vibrant new works. $15-$25. 8pm. 1310 Mission St. at 9th. Thru Nov. 15. Part of the Performing Diaspora Festival. Thru Nov. 15 (festival thru Nov.). www.counterpulse.org

Drew Banks @ Books Inc.

Author of the unusual book Ere I Saw Elba reads from and discusses his writing. Free. 7:30pm. 2275 Market St. at 16th. 864-6777. www.booksinc.net

DV8 Physical Theatre
@ Yerba Buena Arts Center

Amazing male dance-performance group from London performs To Be Straight With You, Lloyd Newson's searing look at intolerance, religion and homosexuality in the UK $13.50-$34. 8pm. Thru Nov. 14. The Forum, 700 Howard St. 978-2787. www.dv8.co.uk www.ybca.org

Electric Six, The Gay Blades
@ The Independent

Two wild rocking bands, one known for the hilarious song, "Gay Bar," although they're not gay, the other, a sarcastic duo who aren't gay, either, but should be. Also, Millions of Brazilians, who aren't Brazilian. $16. 21+. 8pm. 628 Divisadero St. 771-1420. www.electricsix.com www.myspace.com/gayblades www.independentsf.com

GGBA 35th @ Hard Rock Cafe

Golden Gate Business Association (LGBT chamber of commerce) celebrates three and a half decades, with food, drinks, Marga Gomez, Emoliy Coles Dance, DJ Pam Hubbock. $35-$45. 8pm-12am. 21+ RSVP. Pier 39. www.ggba.com

Mark I. Chester @ Mark I. Chester Studio

Local photographer of kink and leather communities gives a slide show talk and historical overview of his historic sexual portraiture. Free/donations. 7:30pm. 1229 Folsom St. 621-6294. www.markichester.com

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

Fri 13

Aesthletics: Drinking
and Dancing @ The Lab

Tom Russotti's whimsical conceptual art project combining sports with art takes on a booze-filled competitive edge. See how long you can dance while drunk. Queer band Adonisaurus performs; Fauxnique guest-judges. Free. 21+. 8pm. Residency thru Nov. 21. Wed-Sat 1pm-6pm. 2948 16th St. www.aesthletics.org www.thelab.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

Baby Jane Unleashed @ Supperclub

Enjoy a four-course dinner, a preview clip from the new parody film Baby Jane? with a performance by Matthew Martin and J. Conrad Frank as Blanche (Joan Crawford) and Baby Jane Hudson (Bette Davis). $65. 8pm. 657 Harrison St. 348-0900. www.babyjane2009.com www.supperclub.com

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 Nov. 22. 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

Beautiful Thing
@ New Conservatory Theatre

Jonathan Harvey's sweet play about two British teens who fall in love. Previews thru Nov. 13. Opening night Nov. 14. $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

Dance Brigade @ Laney College Theater, Oakland

The Great Liberation Upon Hearing, Artistic Director Krissy Keefer's multimedia dance drama based on The Tibetan Book of the Dead. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 7pm. 900 Fallon St. at 8th. 273-4633. www.dancemission.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

Hecho en Califas Festival @ La Pena Cultural Center, Ashby Stage, Berkeley

Tenth annual festival of performance works, including Farid Mercury, a full length rock concert/documentary play, focusing on Queen singer Freddy Mercury and Persian masculinity in the post-9/11 world; written and performed by Robert Farid Karimi; directed by Brian Freeman (PoMo Afro Homos). $10-$12. 8pm. Also Nov. 14 8pm and Nov 15 2pm. 1901 Ashby Ave. (510) 849-2568. www.lapena.org

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

Night at the Opera @ Paramount Theatre, Oakland

Oakland East Bay Gay Men's Chorus, the Oakland East Bay Symphony, and notable soloists perform the triumphal scene from Verdi's Aida, plus excerpts from Nabucco, Candide, The Ring Cycle and other operas. $20-$65. 8pm. 2025 Broadway. www.oebs.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. Special post-show readings of the winners of the "Write Like David Mamet" contest after the swho Nov. 13 & 14. $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. 2pm. Also Nov 17, 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. 30. 575 10th. (800) 838-3006. www.thrillpeddlers.com

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

Rick Reynolds @ Marines Memorial Theatre

Comic monologue performs his autobiographical show, Love, God, Sex (and other stuff I don't have). $35. Thru Nov. 17. 609 Sutter St. 771-6900. www.marinesmemorialtheatre.com

Shared Space 3
@ Dance Mission Theater

Todd Eckert and Nol Simonse's vibrant choreography is showcased in duets, solos and group works. $20. Fri-Sat 8pm. Sun 7pm. 3316 24th St. 821-6958. www.sharedspacesf.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

William J. Mann @ A Different Light

Novelist and biographer reads from and discusses his latest, How to Be a Movie Star: Elizabeth Taylor in Hollywood. Free. 7:30pm. 489 Castro St. 431-0891. www.adlbooks.com

Sat 14

Action @ Cafe Flore

Garza hosts a benefit party for the St. James Infirmary (healthcare for sex workers) with naughty raffle prizes. 9pm-11pm. 2298 Market St. at 16th & Noe. www.cafeflore.com

American Idiot @ Berkeley Repertory

Energetic rock opera based on the recent bestselling Grammy Award-winning Green Day album. $16-$86. Tue, Thu-Sat 8pm. Wed & Sun 7pm. Sat & Sun 2pm. Extended thru Nov. 15. Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St. at Shattuck. (510) 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org

Benefit Auction Preview @ SF Camerawork

Exhibit of fascinating historic and contemporary photos by a diverse 200-plus array of artists, including Alfred Stieglitz, Paul Strand, Edward Weston, Robert Mapplethorpe, Bernice Abbott and Edward Steichen. Free previews Tue-Sat 12pm-6pm Auction Dec. 5, 1pm. $30. 657 Mission St. 2nd floor. 512-2020. www.sfcamerawork.org

Big (Blue) Deal @ SOMArts Center

Visual Aid's annual massive auction of more than 600 unique works of art. Fixed Price lottery auction, plus a live auction, food, drinks, and DJed music. Proceeds benefit their programs for artists with disabilities and HIV. $45-$75. Preview 4pm. Auction 6:30pm. www.visualaid.org

Big Idea @ Yerba Buena Arts Center

Big party with a special "State of the Queer Nation" theme, food, drinks ($3-$5). Soapbox Social with Tim Miller, Anna Conda, Sister Vicious Power-Hungry Bitch and more; 7pm-9pm. Party 9pm-2am, with Diamond Daggers, Alotta Boutte, Simone de la Getto, La Chica Boom, Kentucky Fried Woman and Chubb. Free/RSVP. 701 Mission St. at 3rd. 978-2787. www.ybca.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

Fashion as Protest @ New Valencia Hall

"Queer, Punk and Freak Fashion" is dusccused at this workshop series on the interaction of art and activism. $10-$20. 2pm-4pm. 625 Larkin St. Suite 202. 864-1278. baradicalwomen@earthlink.net

Kevin Grady @ Gallery 405

Opening reception for the gay artist's exhibit of unusual baby doll collage sculptures. Free. 7pm-10pm. 2111 Mission St. 786-5175. www.salvagedart.com

Kuchar Twins Films @ ATA Gallery

Jennifer Kroot's documentary about George and Mike Kuchar's underground films, plus a screening of Sins of the Fleshapoids. $8. 8:30pm. 992 Valencia St. 648-0654. www.othercinema.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

NLGJA Beer Bust @ The Mix

Fundraiser for the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association, with raffle prizes. $8. 4pm-8pm. 4086 18th St. www.nlgja.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

Parents Are Social, Too!
@ Point Bonita Lighthouse

LGBT parents and kids outing with a hike and picnic in the Marin Headlands. www.meetup.com/Bettys-List-Parents-Are-Social-Too/

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. 20. 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. 1062 Valencia St. at 22nd. (800) 838-3006. Thru Nov. 22. www.themarsh.org

Ritual @ Femina Potens

Exhibit of human bodily rituals turned into art by Jeeti, Shelley Monahan, and Daisy Eneix. 2199 Market St. at Sanchez. www.feminapotens.org

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

Self-Defense Seminar
@ Chase Community Room

Triangle Martial Arts Association leads a free self-defense seminar for LGBT and friends. 2pm-4:30pm. 2112 15th St. at Market. RSVP: Events@TriangleMA. 992-5551. www.TriangleMAA.org

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

Opening day of a 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

A Soldier's Tale @ SF Conservatory of Music

Igor Stravinsky's musical drama about a deal with the devil, performed by the Conservatory's New Music Ensemble and the A.C.T. students in the M.A. program. $15-$20. 7pm, 9pm. 50 Oak St. 503-6275. www.sfcm.edu

Taiko Festival @ Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley

Cal Performances presents a big concert of big drum performances, featuring Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka and San Francisco Taiko Dojo, Wako Daiko, SF Taiko Dojo Rising Stars, Sacramento Taiko Dan, Jun Daiko. $28-$38. 7pm. Bancroft and Telegraph Ave., UC Berkeley campus. (510) 642-9988. www.sftaiko.com 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

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

Fascinating new exhibit of ancient Egyptian artifacts from the famous empire, set in a unique 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. 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. Thru June 6. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive (877) 888-8587. www.deyoungmuseum.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. 1192 Market St. at 8th. 512-7770. 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. www.berkeleyplayhouse.org

Sun 15

Erased James Franco @ Castro Theatre

The cutey-pie actor appears for a Q&A with director Carter, whose unusual film deconstructs Franco's recent roles, and has him redo Julianne Moore's role in Todd Haynes' Safe. Also, a screening of the Rock Hudson film Seconds, referenced in the Franco film, at 6pm. Franco at 8pm. $7-$10. 429 Castro St. Other films at SF MOMA, 151 3rd St. www.castrotheatre.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

Happy Hour @ Energy Talk Radio

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

John Baldessari @ Legion of Honor

Print retrospective of works by the post-modern painter. Lincoln Park. www.famsf.org

Nuccia Focile, David Lomeli @ Hertz Hall, Berkeley

Italian soprano and Mexican tenor perform excerpts from La Bohéme, Rigoletto, Gianni Schicchi, Turandot, Faust, Madama Butterfly, L'Elisir D'Amore, and La Traviata with the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra. $48. 3pm. Bancroft Way at College Ave. (510) 642-9988. www.calperformances.org

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

SF Hiking Club @ Mount Tamalpais

GLBT outdoors enthusiasts trek up the fab Marin mountain on a 9-mile hike. Carpools meet 9:15am at the Safeway sign, Market St at Dolores. (925) 833-1069. www.sfhiking.com

Star Drek @ Herbst Theatre

Lamplighters Music Theatre's 44th annual champagne gala includes a spoof of Star Trek via retooled Gilbert & Sullivan songs. $50-$95. 3pm silent auction, show at 4pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. at McAllister. 227-4797. www.lamplighters.org

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

Mon 16

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

Ten Percent @ Comcast 104

David Perry's new talk show about LGBT local issues. This week, Stephen Adams of MUMC, and T.C. Crosser of Posh/Infusion Lounge. 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 17

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

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

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

Queer Punk @ Eureka Valley Public Library

Panel discussion with LGBT punk music veterans KD Davis, bass player for Wilma and Impulse F, Debbie Hopkins, drummer for The Contractions and Jon Ginoli, founder of Pansy Division. Free. 7pm. 16th St. at Market/ 1 Jose Sarria Court. www.sfpl.org

The Wizard of Oz @ Century 9

Screening of the high-definition remastered DVD of the classic MGM Judy Garland film, with special interviews; part of nationwide screenings today celebrating the film's 70th anniversary. $15. 6:30pm. 835 Market St. www.FathomEvents.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 18

Anjulie, Raphael Saadiq @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Captivating singers (retro R&B, alt pop) perform in a shared bill. $39.50. 8pm. 1807 Telegraph Ave. (510) 548-3010. www.raphaelsaadiq.com www.anjuliemusic.com www.thefoxoakland.com

Bare Chest Bingo
@ War Memorial Bldg. Green Room

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence team up with the AIDS Emergency Fund Bare Chest Calendar men for a fun saucy night of bingo for a cause. $20-$40 and up. 7pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. (800) 838-3006. www.thesisters.org

Citizen Kane, The Magnificent Ambersons @ Castro Theatre

Two classic Orson Welles films, in glorious black and white. $7-$10. Kane, 2:15, 7pm. Ambersons, 4:30, 9:20pm. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

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

Dine/Shop/Drink-Around @ Citywide

AIDS/Breast Cancer Emergency Fund's annual fundraiser. Have drinks, dinner or shop at particpating vendors and raise money for the nonprofit. www.dineshopdrink.org

The Dish on Swish @ LGBT Center

Comic Ronn Vigh hosts a night of "Letting Loose and Being Fabulous, Proudly Embracing Our Poofterness," with Garza, Kenshi, Mark Daniel Snyder, who discuss effeminacy in the gay community. Free. 7pm-9pm. 1800 Market St. 820-9606. www.thecommunityinitiative.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

Leathermen's Discussion Group @ Blow Buddies

Ask the Doctor, a special community forum for any of your sex health concerns with Dr. Charles Moser. 7:30pm-9:30pm. 933 Harrison St. www.sfldg.org

Smack Dab @ Magnet

George Biramisa –playwright, author, actor, gay activist, former physique model and Gay Games medalist- discusses his new anthology of his plays and short stories. Open mic, too (sign up by 7:30pm). Free. 8pm. 4122 18th St. www.magnetsf.org

Nitzer Ebb @ Slim's

German 80s electro band, reformed and revved up, plays live; King Loses Crown and DJ Unit 7 also perform. $25. 8pm. 333 11th St. 255-0333. www.slims-sf.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

The Walworth Farce
@ Zellerbach Playhouse, Berkeley

Ireland Druid Theater Company performs Enda Walsh's frenetic play within a play, an acclaimed combination of crossdressing slapstick farce and shocking reality. $72. 8pm. Also Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm. Thru Nov. 22. Bancroft Way at Dana St. UC Berkeley campus. (510) 642-9988. www.calperformances.org

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 afterparty at 1015 Folsom, 9pm-3am. 1035 Market St. www.artundressed.net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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