-- Fil Lorenz & the Collective West Jazz Orchestra: Check out this choice 12-piece jazz band tonight at 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. at Jazz at Pearl's, 256 Columbus; $10-$15.
-- Tomo, Caribbean, Change!: Experimental indie pop and plinky sounds abound tonight at 9:30 p.m. at Hemlock Tavern, 1131 Polk; $5.
-- The S.F. International Festival of Short Films: For people like us who suffer from drug-company-created disorder ADHD, this film festival, featuring 60+ short films, is perfect. Starts at 7 p.m. and goes until Saturday at the Victoria Theatre, 2961 - 16th, and the Red Vic, 1727 Haight; check site for ticket price details.
-- The Be Nice Party: Burning Man approaches, so we'll act as the title for tonight's cocktail party asks, and not say anything mean about Black Rock City. Besides, it's at Catalyst Cocktails, a venue we adore. Starts at 7 p.m., 312 Harriet (at Bryant), free.