There's a wonderfully weird week on the horizon. Buckle up for axe-throwing, an all-male comedy strip-tease revue, and a french fry eating contest.
THURSDAY, JULY 6
JAE WHITAKER REMEMBERS: The GLBT Historical Society presents "We Were Rebels: Jae Whitaker Remembers Janis Joplin." Whitaker was an African American lesbian musician who moved to San Francisco during the Beat movement and became lovers with Janis Joplin. She'll sit down with Joey Cain and talk about what it was like to be in the heart of the action during the 1967 Summer of Love, and presumably reveal some fascinating details about her relationship with the legendary rocker. The GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th Street, 7 p.m., $5 or free for members.
ALL MALE BURLESQUE SHOW: Take in a brand new all-male revue from the Baloney Boys, described by the dear Sister Roma as "San Francisco as f***!" This talented and near-naked team of gay hunks will present their signature blend of comedy, dance, theater, and camp striptease that takes the audience "from frat house to leather bar to outer space!" I don't know what that means exactly, but it sounds right up your alley. Oasis, 289 11th Street, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m., $25 - $50.
THE MISSION POSITION: LOL with comedians Natasha Muse, Irene Tu, Andrew Orolfo, Joey Avery, Adrian McNair (plus special guests) at this four-year-old monthly comedy showcase, now at San Francisco's Alamo Drafthouse. There is no pesky comedy show drink minimum but word to the wise, the Drafthouse is one of the few places that serves Fresca. Alamo Drafthouse, 2550 Mission Street, 9 p.m., $15.
FRIDAY, JULY 7
DURAN DURAN: If you're hungry like the wolf, you might want to stop off for dinner before the Duran Duran show at the historic Fox Theater. Fans can also catch the 80s hit-makers on Saturday night at the Masonic Theater. Tickets are technically sold out but we're all adults here. We know how to get tickets. Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, 8 p.m., $140+.
THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS: The San Francisco Symphony takes on film composer John Williams' greats in this two-night concert. Music from Star Wars, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Jurassic Park, and some song from the only good movie Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise made together, Far and Away. Fans should note that unlike other performances, these concerts will not be accompanied by film clips. San Francisco Symphony, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., $39+.
SATURDAY, JULY 8
SCARY COW FILM FESTIVAL: Check out a new collection of short films created by Bay Area film makers at this audience-judged cinematic event. Makers of the best shorts - as voted by you - will receive money for future projects. Following the screenings, score a $25 festival pass and stick around for a reception to celebrate the awesome local movie-making community. Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., $10 - $25.
KING OF THE STREETS: The San Francisco Lowrider Council brings us the KiNG of the Streets 2017, a family-friendly parade of beautiful cars, a hopping contest, and a post-event cruise down Mission Street. Everyone follows the rules of this (completely awesome) event, including no attitudes and no alcohol - so come correct. Make sure you arrive in time for the HOP contest at 2 p.m. Fort Mason Pier, 2 Marina Blvd., 11 a.m., free.
FRENCH FRY FEST: Broke Ass Stuart brings us word of a French Fry Festival going down (your gullet) at SoMa StrEat Food Park. Enjoy fry-based specials from the park's numerous food vendors, a $35 all-you-can-drink beer bust from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., a French fry eating contest (!), and a DJ spinning fry-eating music all afternoon. SoMa StrEat Food Park, 428 11th Street, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $5.
SUNDAY, JULY 9
BAD AXE THROWING: Ever wanted to toss an axe like a sexy Wild West ranch hand? Now's your chance as Bad Axe Throwing brings their open house to the back room of a Kung Fu academy. Bring your own food and drinks (really) to this free axe throwing lesson and throwing session held all weekend long. 30 Hill Street, Daly City, Friday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., free.
Queer Comics Expo (Image: Facebook)
2017 QUEER COMICS EXPO: This annual event and fundraiser for the Cartoon Art Museum celebrates queer culture and promotes diverse queer representation in comics, animation and beyond. Legend of Korra illustrator Irene Koh is the exposition's special guest and the First Annual Prism Awards to Recognize LGBTQAI+ Comics and Creators will be celebrated throughout the weekend. SOMArts, 934 Brannan Street, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $10 - $25, kids under 12 are free.
MONDAY, JULY 10
FERMENTED PICKLE WORKSHOP: Pickles are delicious. Learn how to make them at this fun and informative workshop led by UC Master Food Preservers. The hour-long class (brought to us by the folks from the Dogpatch Center for Arts & Culture) will give students the basics of pickle-making along with a jar of pickles to ferment at home. This class is for pickle fans aged 13 and up. Spark Social SF, 601 Mission Bay Boulevard North, 7 p.m., $20.
THE MELVINS: Immediately following Friday's release of their double album, "A Walk With Love & Death", The Melvins bring their beloved punk-metal sound to San Francisco's Great American Music Hall. In the meantime, check out this super trippy trailer for the album. Spotlights open the show. Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell Street, 8 p.m., $25+.
Photo: Josh Jacobson