Art
"Valediction"
Timed to coincide with the opening of the new Eastern span of the Bay Bridge, Amanda Hughen and Jennifer Starkweather have some food for thought. Now that the new span is in place, what will happen to the original (soon-to-be dismantled) span? Their artistic endeavor explores its place in the Bay Area's memory and its future as a relic of the past through a series of abstract topographic illustrations.
When: Through Sat. 10/19
Where: Electric Works, 1360 Mission St.

Music
Neko Case
Chances are you're a fan of the indie/folk/alt country singer-songwriter. Did you catch her on this weekend's "Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me!" on NPR? If not, here's your chance to catch her live, doing her music thing, at a show that's somehow not sold-out yet. Get on this.
When: 8 p.m., Tues. 9/10
Where: The Warfield, 982 Market St.

Art
"Introductions 2013"
Root Division's annual exhibition of emerging Bay Area talent is always a great place to find inspiring new artists. This year's show promises the same—12 artists working across mediums, including a personal favorite: Yvonne Escalante. Her ongoing study of corn and the meaning it's taken on in today's society is so impressive that it landed her a feature in 7x7's September print edition!
When: Reception, 7 - 10 p.m., Sat. 9/14; Exhibit, Wed. 9/11–Sat. 9/28
Where: Root Division, 3175 17th St.

Release Party
Sperry Topsider
Whether your a sailor or not, you know Sperry Topsider as the purveyor of the popular boat shoe. In a unlikely move, the brand held a contest for fan-submitted photography and will be featuring the work this week in a gallery exhibition and limited-edition book, timed to coincide with America's Cup. Check it out.
When: Thurs. 9/12–Sun. 9/15
Where: The Popular Workshop, 1173 Sutter St.

Conversation
Marina Abramovic
Performance artist Marina Abramovic is known for such provocative exploits as jabbing knives in between her splayed fingers and walking across the Great Wall of China. Abramovic's body is her canvas, so check her out in the flesh as she sits down for a conversation with Lawrence Rinder, director of the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive.  
When: 7:30 p.m., Thurs. 9/12
Where: Nourse Theater, 275 Hayes St.

Music
Ra Ra Riot
The video for "Dance With Me" has been making waves on the web since the Syracuse group's third album, Beta Love, hit in January. See how the song plays out live onstage during this local stop on the synthpop band's West Coast tour.  
When: 8 p.m., Thurs. 9/12
Where: The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd.

Music
Local Natives
The LA group's sophomore album, Hummingbird, dropped in January, and the band continues to impress with surfy guitars and soaring harmonies. Here's your chance to catch them as the headlining act at the Fox.  
When: 8 p.m., Thurs. 9/12
Where: The Fox, 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland

Local
Urban Air Market
150 local designers, most with an eye towards sustainable design. The inaugural Pier 70 Urban Air Market was a hit last month, but this weekend, the festival returns to its beloved Hayes Valley location. Make it a Sunday afternoon of shopping and supporting independent designers.
When: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun. 9/15
Where: Hayes Valley