Wednesdays, The New Wednesdays

Wednesdays -- you're on notice! Go check out a free concert at that church across the street from the Metreon at 12:30 p.m. -- Bach cantatas by Jonathan Dimmick on the organ. Or celebrate the life of Nobel Laureate Saul Bellow (1915-2005) at a literary conversation at the Jewish Community Center at 8 p.m, hosted by Michael Krasny.

Thursday: Feeling a little sniffly as you gallivant up and down Valencia Street? Well, stop by the Scarlet Sage Herb Co. on Valencia between 22nd and 23rd on Thursday night at 7 p.m. and learn how to treat common ailments with aromatherapy. $10 prepayment to reserve your spot; call 821-0997. (And isn't the scarlet sage plant pretty?)

and Friday: Our favorite Southern Exposure is hosting an opening reception for Mayhem, its annual exhibition of local contemporary artists. The "Mayhem" theme was chosen to encourage artists to respond to our current socio-political climate, so you know it's gonna be provocative! Reception starts at 7, at 401 Alabama Street. Or if SoEX inspires you to create your own art, get across town and check out the Craft Gym open house -- come celebrate Craft Gym's first year of public crafting space at a Craft Corner Deathmatch-style Craft-Off contest. 6-9 at 1452 Bush (cross Van Ness).