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 ›

The language of Wednesdays is universal. Tonight: Blame it on the bossanova -- Brazilian singer Luciana Souza kicks off her yearlong residency as San Francisco Performances' jazz artist in residence with a performance at the Hotel Rex salon. If you miss her at the Rex tonight, she's performing in a variety of other (free) venues throughout this week. 6:30 p.m. at 562 Sutter (between Powell and Mason). We'd give you pricing info but we can't find it anywhere online. more ›