Art: How Wine Became Modern
If it sounds groundbreaking, that's because it is. The first exhibition of its kind, How Wine Became Modern explores wine's visual culture and the history of that transformation over the last 30 years through the lens of architecture, design, and media. You'll see multimedia installations, architectural models, and even a smell wall. But if pontificating and sniffing isn't enough to satisfy your senses, head to the SF Vintners Market at Fort Mason for a showcase of top-notch wineries. Billed as a liquid farmers market, you can sample wines from more than 200 wineries and buy on the spot. $18 and $40+ respectively
Image: Etienne Meneau, Carafe No. 5, 2008, fabricated 2009
In Person: Arianna Huffington, Amy Sedaris, and Kevin Kelly
So you're still crying over the sold-out Amy Sedaris show—get on Craigslist or get over it. You've got two intelligent alternatives: Arianna Huffington, one of the most influential voices in modern media, talks candidly about her new book about Washington, Wall Street, and the abandoning the middle class while Wired co-founder Kevin Kelly talks about his latest What Technology Wants (in case you missed him at the Commonwealth Club on 11/3). $25-$65 and free, respectively
Performance: Zion I and Hip Hop DanceFest
Local hip hop duo Zion I, one of our Hot 20 Under 40 this year, released their latest album Atomic Clock last week, which means you want in on this show. They're playing two intimate gigs at Slim's on Saturday and Sunday, chock full of new material you'll have running through your head for weeks. If you're really feeling the hip-hop vibe, go all out this weekend and check out the annual Hip Hop DanceFest at the Palace of Fine Arts Friday through Sunday. $20-$23 and $40 respectively
Good Cause: SFFF Local 798 Toy Drive & Fundraiser
Here's a twist on charity—bring your boyfriend and an unwrapped toy or monetary donation to Broadway Showgirls for the club's annual toy drive and fundraiser in partnership with the San Francisco Fire Department. Do a good deel, literally. Present a gift, let your BF get a little turned on, and then go home and get it on, knowing that you did your part to give back this holiday season. Saturday 11/20; Broadway Showgirls, 412 Broadway, showgirlssf.com
Wordplay: NYT Crossword Puzzle Editor Will Shortz
So just who is Will Shortz? Take a look at almost any puzzle book, and chances are you’ll find The New York Times’ longstanding crossword editor’s name on the spine. Despite the fact that he can finish a Friday or Saturday puzzles in 15 minutes, Shortz is refreshingly unpretentious. So, if you think you have what it takes to go head-to-head in a brainteasing challenge with the mastermind, head to Cal Performances’ Strictly Speaking discussion. Audience participation required. $20+; Sunday 11/21; Zellerbach Hall, Bancroft Way and Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, calperfs.berkeley.edu
