Butoh dance is a post WWII form of modern Japanese performance art seen as a combination of dance, traditional Japanese theater, and mime, and which is described as provocative and shocking. Sounds like fun! The local Japanese dance group Theater of Yugen presents an evening of Butoh dance tonight, featuring nature-themed performances, along with music by new music ensemble the Nanos Operetta. 2840 Mariposa (between Florida and Alabama, near Project Artaud), 8 p.m., $15. more ›

It's all about the numbers at tonight's Ask a Scientist: The World's Most Fascinating Numbers event. Ask any burning math (from pi to irrational, imaginary, familiar, and beyond) question to Keith Devlin, who is NPR's "Math Guy," as well as a prof and author. There will also be food, drinks, socializing, and chat about "the universe's most fascinating mysteries!" 7 to 9 p.m. Canvas Gallery, 1200 9th Avenue, SF 94122. more ›

Tonight: The Canvas Gallery is hosting "Ask a Scientist," with Nancy Garland, a Technology Development Master at the U.S. Department of Energy, discussing Alternative Energy: A Cleaner Future for Cars. more ›

Saturday, there's the Canvas Gallery 5th Anniversary Party. $10 gets you in any time between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. for food and drink specials, live music, and the chance to rub shoulders with real live artists. more ›

Our concert picks for the week of 9/22-9/28. more ›

SFist of course does not recommend any Jonestown-style group hari kiri, and a good belly laugh over a pint could be just the ticket to remind you that presidents, good or bad, only get to serve two terms. So head on down - it's free, and the comedians will keep their wits tuned to the telly along with you. The showcase will be hosted by local comedy impresario Susan Alexander. more ›