One could hop on the snark wagon and refer to Darfur, the current Third World cause célebre, as the new Tibet or appreciate the 21st Century sensitivity to the non-universality of Christmas, but we are not that "one." The genocide going on in Darfur is pretty shocking and awful, and thus we applaud the efforts of the folks at Distortion 2 Static and Pumpkin Cutter Projects who are putting on The Save Darfur Tour at the Elbo Room (647 Valencia at 17th St) tonight. The entertainment benefiting refugee assistance NGO's includes DJ Haylow, Tic Toc, and hip-hop performers Visionaries, GraySkull and FreeStyle. (9pm)

Over in Oakland, DIESEL, A Bookstore (5433 College Ave at Kales, near Rockridge BART) presents long-time Diesel supporter and store favorite, V. O. Blum reading from his newest novel, Split Creek. Split Creek is a gorgeous story that combines the American West with a World War II love story. Mr. Blum is an accomplished raconteur and will create a magical evening. (7:30 pm)