AUGUST CALENDAR

THINGS TO SEE AND PLACES TO BE SEEN
Top August 2008 Northside Picks
By Melissa Culross

Mark Robinson Quartet
Thursdays all month, Enrico’s
Jazz singer Mark Robinson provides the jazz soundtrack as you enjoy swank Thursday evenings at Enrico’s restaurant all summer long. 504 Broadway St. (at Kearny), 415-982-6223, http://www.markrobinson.org

Brainstormer Pub Quiz
Thursdays all month, Rogue Ale House
Yes, plenty of bars feature weekly quiz/trivia nights these days, but how many of them also offer 44 ales on tap, as well as an eclectic selection of guest beers? Well, at least the Rogue Ale House does.
673 Union St. (at Powell), 415-362-7880, http://www.brainstormer.com

Shanghai San Francisco
Saturdays all month, Coit Tower, North Beach and Chinatown
Part theatre, part walking tour, this totally interactive show entertains you through some of the City’s most historic neighborhoods. Plus, they feed you! Show begins at 1 Telegraph Hill at the base of Coit Tower, 877-384-7843, http://www.shanghaisanfrancisco.com

What You Will
Through Saturday, August 9, American Conservatory Theatre
Many Americans know British actor Roger Rees from appearances on Cheers, Grey’s Anatomy and The West Wing. Personally, I know him from one of the 19 episodes of the brilliant My So-Called Life.
We can get to know him better, however, during his one-man
show about William Shakespeare. 415 Geary St. (at Mason),
415-749-2228, http://www.act-sf.org

Brand New Me!
Through Sunday, August 10, The New Conservatory Theatre
San Francisco mainstay Connie Champagne takes on the
music of pop star Dusty Springfield. 25 Van Ness Ave. (at Oak), 415-861-8972, http://www.nctcsf.org

ABC
Sunday, August 10, The Independent
The best thing about ’80s bands reuniting is that you actually get to see them live this time. Because when ABC toured back in the ’80s, you were stuck studying for a trigonometry final and didn’t make
it to the show. 628 Divisadero St. (at Grove), 415-771-1421,
http://www.independentsf.com

Idina Menzel
Thursday, August 14, Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
Mrs. Taye Diggs (that’s right) first made a name for herself on Broadway in Rent, and then won a Tony for her performance in Wicked. Get intimate with her very big voice during this show. 3301 Lyon St.
(at Bay), 415-421-8497, http://www.palaceoffinearts.org

Outside Lands Festival
Friday through Sunday, August 22-24, Golden Gate Park
With more than 50 bands over three days, this art and music festival is bound to satisfy all tastes. Polo Field, Speedway Meadow and Lindley Meadow, Golden Gate Park, 415-771-1421, http://www.sfoutsidelands.com

Tango in the Square
Sunday, August 31, Union Square
The tango is a sexy celebration of life, and you can join the party with free lessons, as well as performances. Post and Geary Sts. (between Powell and Stockton), 415-477-2610, http://www.unionsquarepark.us

And to compel you to get across town:

Good Person of Szechuan
Friday and Saturday, August 15-16, Yerba Buena Children’s Garden
Woman’s Will, the Bay Area’s all-female Shakespeare Company, takes on Bertolt Brecht with their summer production. Mission and Folsom Sts. (between Third and Fourth), 415-543-1718, http://www.womanswill.org

E-mail: melissa@northsidesf.com