Performance
Thao Nguyen x 2
Get a double dose of local folk rock favorite Thao Nguyen. She'll be sharing funny stories about big disappointments for CounterPULSE's Words First solo performance showcase. Then, on Friday, she'll be supporting Bay Area Girls Rock Camp in a performance with Mirah at an Oakland art auction.
When: Wed. 2/2 and Fri. 2/4
Where: CounterPULSE, 1310 Mission St. and Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland

Music
Interpol, Cat Power, Exray's
Just a few of the bands to watch this week: The big band, sway-worthy Interpol makes Monday all right. The sexy, smokey Cat Power will mesmerize with her melancholy mood. And Exray's—one of 7x7's Local Bands to Watch in 2011— whose song "Hesitation" is in The Social Network will liven up your Friday night.
When: Mon. 1/31, Fri. 2/4 (Cat Power + Exray's)
Where: The Warfield, 982 Market St.; The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd.; Cafe du Nord, 2170 Market St.

Film
SF Independent Film Fest
85 great new indie features, documentaries, shorts, and animated films, plus the second annual Winter Music Fest (2/10-13) featuring 40 great local bands and lots of great parties.
When: Thurs. 2/3 - Thurs. 2/17
Where: Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St.

Art
The Oakland Standard
Add this to your list of cool things to do in the East Bay. The Oakland Museum of California is launching a new contemporary art series billed as "experiments in work and play." Friday's party features Oakland notables Tammy Rae Carland, Walter Kitundu, Mary Roach, Novella Carpenter, DJ Mia Moretti, and more. 
When: Fri. 2/4
Where: Oakland Museum, 1000 Oak St., Oakland

Art
Pulp Fashion: The Art of Isabelle de Borchgrave
Think of this as paper mache on a whole new level. 60-plus opulent period gowns masterfully reconstructed, not out of lavish silks and velvets, but out of paper. 
When: Sat. 2/5 - Sun. 6/5
Where: Legion of Honor, 100 34th Ave.