Dance
SF Ballet Opening Night: Giselle
Mad love, betrayal, broken hearts—it doesn't get any more classic than this. A Romantic ballet at its finest, Giselle is a Romeo & Juliet of the dance variety. The story of love and loss opens the 2011 SF Ballet season. Get it on your calendar now.
When: Sat. 1/29 - Sun. 2/13
Where: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave.
Nightlife
Science of Cocktails
Shaken or stirred? There's certainly no shortage of mixology events around the city, but the Exploratorium will get down and dirty with the science behind it all. Learn about the Japanese hard shake and how infused vodkas are like perfumes while you take advantage of the open bar, ample hors d'oeuvres, and the museum's many exhibits.
When: Wed. 1/26
Where: The Exploratorium, 628 Divisadero St.
Tech
Macworld Expo
The city's going to be swarming with the tech-obsessed this week. Geek out at the second annual mobile apps showcase, one of last year's hottest attractions, and peruse the many gadget offerings. And, wait for this, Sinbad will be there, along with electronic cellist Zoe Keating.
When: Thurs. 1/27 - Sat. 1/29
Where: Moscone Center, West Hall, 747 Howard St.
Film
British TV Ad Awards
After sold-out crowds last year, YBCA is bringing back screenings of the British Television Advertising Awards. It's a hot ticket among the design community, but it's a quirky showcase of cultural differences—including an artsy, poetic McDonald's commercial—that really appeals to anyone. Who doesn't love the Brits?
When: Thurs. 1/27 - Sun. 1/30
Where: YBCA Screening Room, 701 Mission St.
Music
Deerhoof Album Release and Sonny Smith
Deerhoof drops its 10th album on Tuesday, and the band is celebrating the release with a show and party at GAMH. Deerhoof vs. Evil is the usual quirky blend of indie rock and J-pop that locals have come to love, and Satomi Matsuzaki's energy is the highlight of every show. Or, catch Sonny Smith of Sonny & the Sunsets on Sunday. He's doing a solo show for volume two of his 100 Records project.
When: Fri. 1/28 and Sun. 1/30, respectively
Where: Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell St.
Art
Artists' Television Access Benefit Auction
Celebrate 26 years of cutting edge, alternative, and experimental art with an art auction, live musical performances by Puce Moment and Grass Widow, and visual presentations by Dayv Jones. More than 50 established and emerging artists are participating.
When: Sat. 1/29
Where: ATA, 992 Valencia St.
