Do you remember the first time you ever heard a Nina Simone song? Did you think she was a man? An alien? The singular soul goddess and political activist was fearless, inimitable, and gone too soon, but most definitely not forgotten. Over the years, artists have paid tribute to this legend, from Anthony & the Johnsons' cover of "Be My Husband" to Mary J. Blige's forthcoming role as Simone in a biopic of the mercurial singer's life.

In our own backyard, though, comes in the form of The Golden Age of Soul: 1960-1975, a night at the Bernal Heights Branch Library which delves into rare film clips of Simone, along with other soul luminaries Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, Aretha Franklin and more. It's tonight at 6:30 pm, free, and hosted by local music author Richie Unterberger, and perfect for you to geek out to a night of Nina Simone with.

Photo via minidreamer on Flickr.com