Exhibit
‘Fur, Feathers and Fin’
Want to support local art plus adorable animals in need of homes? Pacific Art League will kick off its March exhibit, “Fur, Feathers and Fin,” with a reception and “doggie fashion show” on Friday, March 4, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Adoptable dogs from the Redwood City-based nonprofit Pets In Need will be modeling the finest in canine couture while visitors peruse art, sip wine and munch light refreshments at the free event. The exhibit features works that explore biodiversity and ecology, animal behavior and emotion, and other animal themes. Pacific Art League is located at 668 Ramona St., Palo Alto. Go to PAL.
One-man show
Albert Einstein, live
Actor Duffy Hudson brings beloved theoretical physicist Albert Einstein to Menlo Park in a “tribute performance” to the brilliant scientist, in which he will attempt to “convey the essence of Special and General Relativity in under an hour.” The library has previously hosted Hudson in a one-man version of “A Christmas Carol,” a selection of Dr. Seuss works, and in the guise of comedian George Burns. The performance will take place Saturday, March 5, at 11 a.m. at the Menlo Park City Council Chambers, 701 Laurel St. The free event is presented by Friends of the Menlo Park Library. Go to Menlo Park.
Live music
Reggae in Redwood City
Reggae-pop group Big Mountain, known for its hit cover version of Peter Frampton’s “Baby, I Love Your Way,” will be performing at Redwood City’s Club Fox on Saturday, March 5, at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). Also playing is the San Francisco band Pacific Vibration, which plays reggae with hints of folk, island, soul and funk. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, Adults (21+) only. The show will be held at 2209 Broadway St., Redwood City. Go to Club Fox.
Benefit
‘Palo Alto Swing Dance’
Dust off your dancing shoes and prepare to whip out your Lindy Hop: The inaugural “Palo Alto Swing Dance,” a benefit for the Gunn High School music program, will be held Saturday, March 5, 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Lucie Stern Ballroom, 1305 Middlefield Road. Live music will be provided by the Gunn jazz bands and the event includes group swing dance lessons with Nick Enge and Melissa Carvell, light food and non-alcoholic drinks. Tickets are $40, adults (21+) only. Go to Palo Alto Swing Dance.
Musical theater
‘Mary Poppins’
Everyone’s favorite British nanny takes the stage in Peninsula Youth Theatre’s “Mary Poppins,” a musical based on the Disney film and P.L. Travers novel of the same name. Local actors ages 8 to 18 tell the story of the magical Mary, who chimney-sweeps into the lives of a dysfunctional London family, with classic songs including “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” The show runs weekends (matinees and evening performances), March 5-13, at the Mountain View Center for Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. Tickets are $16 for seniors and children 12 and under; $22 for adults. Go to PYT.
Lecture
Dr. Frans de Waal
Where does morality come from? Biologist and primatologist Dr. Frans de Waal will discuss “Evolution of Goodness: Empathy in Animals and Humans” on Wednesday, March 9, 6 to 8 p.m. at Stanford University’s Cemex Auditorium. Renowned for his work on the behavior and social order of primates, de Waal examines whether there may be an evolutionary basis for expressions of empathy and fairness. His new book, “Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?,” will be available for purchase. The auditorium is located at 655 Knight Way, Stanford. Go to Stanford Events.