Music: Broken Bells and Van Morrison
Power alt rock/indie duo Broken Bells—Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton) and The Shins' lead James Mercer—has been tearing it up on the music scene since their self-titled debut album release earlier this year. Rolling Stone even flagged the cd "the year's coolest left field pop disc" and they've been on perpetual repeat at the 7x7 offices. You want tickets to this one. $30; Tuesday 10/5; The Fox, 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, apeconcerts.com. But, if cutting-edge, new music isn't your scene, you can always splurge on an oldie but goody. Van Morrison's making a stop in SF. Start singing "Brown Eyed Girl" now. $84+; Friday 10/8; Nob Hill Masonic Center, 1111 California St., livenation.com
Eat/Drink: Monk's Kettle Beer Pairing Dinners
Frustrated that you can never get into one of Monk's Kettle's beer pairing dinners? Here's your chance. The always popular Mission outpost's 10/6 dinner is, of course, sold-out, but we got wind of two more upcoming dinners that still have a few open slots. In November, North Coast Brewing Company will sample its American and Belgian-style beers, including last year's barrel-aged Old Rasputin. Then, in December, Moonlight Brewing will showcase its new Uncle Fudd (rye-based beer using cedars) and Working for Tips (using redwood tips). And if you want first dibs on these dinners (we certainly do!), sign up for their Sip 'n' Supper Society to become part of the "in crowd." $80; Wednesday 11/3 and 12/1; Monk's Kettle, 3141 16th St., monkskettle.com
Comedy: Judd Apatow
If one is to learn anything about Judd Apatow's career, it's that sick, slapstick humor really sells. Counting Superbad, Knocked Up, and The 40-Year-Old Virgin among his successes, the seasoned writer/director/producer proves that vulgarity, gratuitous nudity, and awkward adolescent moments will get you everywhere in Hollywood. He'll be talking dirty with Dave Eggers in a sold-out City Arts & Lectures conversation. Beg, plead, and steal for tickets. And if you still can't get them, drown your sorrows by toasting daredevil pilot skills at Fleet Week's Blue Angels air show. $20; Thursday 10/7; Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., cityarts.net
Movies: Mill Valley Film Festival
Okay, so Mill Valley may not jump out at you as a big film capital, but the North Bay suburb has proven its artsy cred with its annual film festival (now in its 33rd year). I mean, you know it's legit when celebs like Harrison Ford, Emily Blunt, and Clive Owen grace the red carpet. Get your tickets now to films such as Rabbit Hole starring Nicole Kidman, because we know you're probably bluffing when you say you're hanging in there for Sundance. Thursday 10/7 - Sunday 10/17; various venues, cafilm.org/mvff
Art: Open Studios
Last week was just a preview of the month-long annual affair. The real fun begins this weekend, with workshops in the Mission, Bernal Heights, the Castro, Duboce, Glen Park, Noe Valley, Portola, and Eureka Valley opening their doors so you can catch a glimpse of artists' projects where the magic happens. Pick a few hoods to explore and start setting your sights on what you might want to buy. 10/9 - 10/10; artspan.org
