While the California Academy of Sciences' NightLife event takes place every Thursday, tonight marks the kick-off of their summer music and art series, Nightlife LIVE. This new monthly series "enlists the expertise of buzzworthy local tastemakers to pair emerging bands and musicians with cutting-edge visual artists in an innovative intersection of science, music, and art," event organizers say.

That pairing begins at 7:45, when the outdoor stage in the East Garden will be dominated by soul duo Myron & E, then at 8:45 Dam-Funk,"a pioneer of the electro-funk renaissance," will take over. (While you wait for the bands, check out an art installation by Boback Emad.)

Music's not your only option tonight, as event organizers urge you to "watch yourself complete physical tasks from a third-person perspective with OuterBody Labs," and "let others see the world through your own eyes with vision technology from SensoMotoric Instruments."

There's also the usual lineup of crafts, creatures, and cocktails. My pick is their "LIVE" Pisco Punch Snow Cone, which is Pisco Porton, Bols Elderflower Liqueur, pineapple juice and ginger beer served over shaved ice. Who can turn down a snow cone, especially a boozy one?

What: NightLife LIVE: Perception
When: 6-10 PM
Where: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive in Golden Gate Park
Cost: $12, buy tickets online here