by Amy Crocker

POETRY: Porchlight: A Storytelling Series, a great introduction to the San Francisco spoken word scene, will feature storytellers focusing on the holidays, specificallythe theme of "toys." Brilliant.

8 p.m. // Verdi Club (2424 Mariposa) // $12

MUSIC: Be a cool cat and head to Oakland to hear the Duke Ellington version of The Nutcracker. The twenty-piece Junius Courtney Big Band featuring Denise Perier on vocals will play selections tonight at "Swingin' Holidays: The Yule and the Cool."

8 p.m. and 10 p.m. // Yoshi's Oakland (510 Embarcadero West) // 8pm show $14, 10pm show $8

FOOD: Every Monday, the Eat event at 111 Minna Gallery features music and discounted food and drinks. Chef Tommy Halvorson creates the menu, which this week includes short rib gnocchi, pork belly tacos, and an apple radish salad. Happy Hour drink specials are 5-6, Smitten Ice Cream will be sold from 6 - 8:30. All food is cash only.

5 p.m. // 111 Minna Gallery (111 Minna) // Free admission, food prices vary