Thank goodness we have another three-day holiday to usher us into the new year. The coming week brings discussions about current and historical topics, commemorations, art, comedy, and more.
Thursday, Jan. 15
“Making History Fun Again Speaker Series” at the legendary Redwood Room presents Joseph Amster, founder of Emperor Norton’s Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine, appropriately appearing as Emperor Norton, the eccentric and beloved historical figure. The monthly program is designed to bring the city’s colorful history to life, “while connecting generations through storytelling, culture, and spirited conversation.” Themed specialty cocktails will also be available for purchase, including Pisco Punch, martinis, and others. 6 p.m. at the Clift Hotel. Free with RSVP here.
Tonight is part 2 of Manny’s Venezuela discussions: What Does Maduro’s Removal Mean for Venezuela? Join Venezuela experts, Dr. Dorothy Kronick from U.C. Berkeley and Venezuelan Simon Olavarria from Instawork. Tickets: $5 and change.
SF Sketchfest: The San Francisco Comedy Festival opens today, presenting multiple nonstop live sketch, improv, stand-up, podcasts, film and television events, tributes, and more each day. Through Feb. 1. Ticket prices vary by performance.
Friday, Jan. 16
Celebrate the National Day of Service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There are many opportunities from forest and habitat stewards in the Presidio, maintenance in Muir Woods, historic landscaping at Fort Mason and Fort Point, and more. See a full list of opportunities here; most require registration. Multiple locations in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Through Monday. Free admission.
Saturday, Jan. 17
The third edition San Francisco Art Week starts today, with a diverse range of events, exhibitions, and more hosted by museums, galleries, nonprofit organizations, and other creative spaces. Visit the link above for a map of participating venues and additional information. Daily through Jan. 25.
Sunday, Jan. 18
I never saw Claude move, even on the Claude Cam, but knowing there isn’t an opportunity for that now brings a tear and a pout. For all us sentimental saps, Cal Academy will host Claude Forever: A Celebration of Life for the white guy, who sadly died of cancer last month. The program includes speeches and stories, a brass band parade, a costume contest, a storybook reading, and more. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Golden Gate Bandshell in the Music Concourse. (The program will also be livestreamed.) Free admission.
Monday, Jan. 19
Here are my picks for MLK Day (for more visit the NorcalMLKFoundation):
Glide Memorial Church is planning a march on Fourth and King streets near the CalTrain station at 9 a.m. to Yerba Buena Park, where there will be speakers, with the Gilde Ensemble performing at 2 p.m. at the Museum of African Diaspora. Free.
I’ve always been a fan of St. Mary’s Noontime Concerts, and today’s concert, Beyond the Dream will honor the legacy of Dr. King. Free.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Generally, I prefer not repeating venues in a week, but this is worthwhile: the award-winning Will and Willie. That would be San Francisco’s funny man/political satirist/Voice contributor, Will Durst, and our former mayor/man about town/political guy, Willie Brown. 6 p.m. at Manny’s. Tickets $18 and change.
Wednesday, Jan. 21
ACT’s preview tonight of Tennessee Williams’s Streetcar Named Desire, is sold out as are the next few days, so if you’d like to see the story of a romantic triangle set in 1940’s New Orleans with themes of family, trauma, and destruction with no props or a set, and the entire unabridged text of Williams’s play, get to it. At the Toni Reme Theater through Feb. 1. Tickets from $25.
So as always, enjoy your week and holiday, and be nice to each other.