You may have heard by now that it's Outside Lands this Friday through Sunday. Maybe you're all tied up with that, but regardless, there's plenty else to indulge in. Of course there's more music, but also there are some more eclectic event offerings this week, from a Burning Man clothing swap to a salon-inspired hair and drag dance party to, well, other things of that nature.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 2
FREE WOOD SHOPPE SHOW: Monthly free music has graced Brick and Mortar in the Inner Mission thanks to Wood Shoppe for four years now, so celebrate by taking in some tunes, won't you? Onstage is Madeline Kenney, an Oaklander who asks us to "imagine if Loretta Lynn had a secret shoegaze project and a looper pedal obsession" in order to describe her work. Up first are Perhapsy, and before that, the Electric Sons. Brick & Mortar, 1710 Mission Street, 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show, free
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3
PHOTO EXHIBITION OPENING: We're told that lots of the artists behind "With Our Own Eyes," an exhibition of documentary photography (juried by gallery director Ann Jastrab and Judy Walgren), will be in attendance on opening night. So go ahead, meet them and celebrate their work. Plus, there's no Giants game this evening, so it's safe to head to SoMa. Rayko Photo Center, 428 Third Street, 6 to 8 p.m., free
NOIR FILMS AT THE CASTRO: Elliot Lavine, a lover and historian of noir and B films, arrives at the Castro Theatre for his final showcase (of very many over the years). Every Wednesday this month it's double or triple features, and first up are Black Angel (1946) starring Dan Duryea, June Vincent, and Peter Lorre (at 6 p.m. and 9:50 p.m) and Nightmare Alley (1947) starring Tyrone Power, Coleen Grey, and Joan Blondell (at 7:45 p.m. only) Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street, 6 p.m start, $13 double feature
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4
GLAMA-RAMA! SALON CELEBRATION: The Glama-Rama! Salon and Gallery has been in the game for 20 years and they're kicking back and celebrating with a burlesque and drag dance party and hairshow. It might also be a shitshow (let's hope!) and patrons are encouraged put up their hair, throw on a wig, don a hat, etc. etc. The occasion also marks a changing of the guard: Deena Davenport will pass the torch to Miss Katey Mckee, so celebrate them both. Glama-Rama!, 111 Minna Street, 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.$15
BAOBOB DANCE WITH BUBBLES: Bissap Baobob serves up deliciously carbonated adult beverages and the musical stylings of DJ DOT, HABITAAT & JUGE. Bissap Baobob Village, 3372 19th Street, 8 p.m., $5 after 10 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE LIVE MEETS OUTSIDE LANDS: At the Cal Academy of Sciences on NightLife Thursdays you probably know what to expect: Lots of date night couples exploring the museum and swilling cocktails. Keep in mind, though, that these days it's live music season for NightLife, and what with Outside Lands this week, they've coordinated with the folks behind the fest to bring UK ballad singer Låpsley with opener Brogan Bentley. California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., $15
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5
OAKLAND FIRST FRIDAY: You know the drill: Music, art, and community combine for a fantastic way to start every month in Oakland. Non-profit run with tons of vendors and performances planned and impromptu, you never know what you'll see at the Bay Area's most vibrant art crawl. Telegraph Avenue Oakland from W. Grand to 27th Street, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
SOUND-BASED INSTALLATION AT GRACE CATHEDRAL: As part of the seventh biennial Soundwave Festival that's been taking place throughout this summer, a series of cool sights and sounds awaits at Grace Cathedral. The Meerenai Shim Quartet starts things off by interpreting architectural blueprints through song, then Kinetech Arts comes dancing through the pews. Next is more choral work from Jeff Ray of Taser Island with Alison Niedbalski and Qualia Choir, which will be recorded on site, and last, Gabriel Dunne and Stephanie Sherriff have a site-specific audio and visual show playing off the light and acoustics of of the cathedral. Grace Cathedral Church, 1100 California Street, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m,, $20 general admission tickets
SATURDAY, AUGUST, 6
HARD FRENCH x SWEATER FUNK: Far from the fog of Golden Gate Park and Outside Lands, two greats are coupling up at El Rio: Sweater Funk DJs and hosts Hard French (they too, of course, will spin soul per usual). Who cares where anyone else is when you're dancing on the patio and enjoying free BBQ? El Rio, 3158 Mission Street, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., $10
NIHONMACHI STREET FAIR: Held on both Saturday and Sunday, this Japantown celebration of Asian-Pacific American heritage is in its 43rd year. As a 501(c)3 Non Profit, the Nihonmachi Street Fair is volunteer run and features booths from artisan crafters and cooks. Japantown Center, 1581 Webster Street, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., free entry
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7
BURNING MAN CLOTHING SWAP: Are you ready to create some kind of new playa identity through your clothing that better represents your true self? Exchange your cool clothing, craft new items, and generally play dress up with the Center SF in anticipation of heading "home" to the dessert. The Center SF, 548 Fillmore Street, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., donation-based
RESCUED DOG PAGEANT: If you want to be able to proudly say of your dog "She's a rescue... from the classic Berkeley bar Missouri Lounge" then don't miss their 3rd annual Rescued Dog Pageant, an opportunity to watch rescue dogs strut in costumes or, adopt one yourself. This benefit for Berkeley Humane features an onsite mobile adoption center, kids are welcome, and you can still enter your dog in the contest if you wish. Missouri Lounge, 2600 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, 2 p.m., $1 per raffle ticket