BOOKS & TALKS

Sun & Mon, Sept 14 & 15
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Geek is chic, and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has helped spearhead the effort to make knowledge cool. A nerdy favorite for years, The Colbert Report’s most frequent guest and host of PBS’s Nova ScienceNow broke out this year as the star of FOX’s Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey. Expect a mind-expanding talk at the Paramount full of science that’s quite literally out of this world. Paramount Theatre, sold out.

COMEDY

Sat, Sept 13
Brian Regan
Working clean has become a tricky double standard for standup comedians. Most comedians who work clean can draw bigger, family-friendly audiences—at the cost of respect from some peers. Brian Regan is the exception. He’s consistently one of the funniest performers in the business, can play to any audience, and draws high praise from both mainstream stars like Jerry Seinfeld and alt cynics like Marc Maron. Paramount Theatre, $46–$60.

CLASSICAL & MORE

Sat, Sept 13
Seattle Symphony Opening Night Concert and Gala
Much of the romanticism of Paris comes from its music. Seattle Sympohny's chief conductor (and French native) Ludovic Morlot will musically whisk patrons away to France with SSO's Opening Night Concert and Gala. The Paris-inspired program features a litany of classic works by French composers including Jacques Ibert, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Erik Satie (orchestrated by Claude Debussy). The night also showcases renowned violinist performing three pieces including Pablo de Sarasate's Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25. For those seeking the full Parisian experience, the gala portion of the evening follows the performance with an elegant black-tie cocktail reception and dinner of French cuisine at Fairmont Hotel. Benaroya Hall, $56–$147; gala packages $650–$1,000

CONCERTS

Fri, Sept 12
Blue Scholars
The Blue Scholars revived a classic concertgoing tradition at its Fremont Fair Solstice concert this summer: the raised lighter. Illuminated cellphones had replaced the time-honored gesture, but marijuana- friendly acts in a state where weed is legal might just bring lighters back. The hip-hop duo plays its first local club show in ages. The Showbox, sold out.

Fri & Sat, Sept 12 & 13
Noise for the Needy 2014
After ten years of putting on a benefit festival in Ballard, Noise for the Needy is calling it quits in 2014. It's final two-day installment features a robust lineup of area indie rock bands across six shows including Portland's the Helio Sequence and Seattle's Ivan and Alyosha. With admission ranging from $20 to free, it'll be hard to pass up the opportunity to say goodbye. Various Ballard venues, free–$20.

Sat, Sept 13
Katy Perry
Since bursting onto the scene with “I Kissed a Girl,” Katy Perry has displayed the full pop-star package: the voice, the pinup looks, a style that straddles the line between kid friendly and hypersexual, a handful of catchy songs. The more interesting career path this night comes via openers Tegan and Sara, who’ve transitioned from indie songwriter favorites to unabashed synthpop rockers with their latest album, Heartthrob. Tacoma Dome, $21–$101.

Sat & Sun, Sept 13 & 14
Crosby, Stills, and Nash
The summer outdoor concert season winds down as Crosby, Stills, and Nash bring their harmony-heavy folk rock to Chateau Ste. Michelle. There will be plenty of drinks to be had at the concert, so make sure not to get “Wasted on the Way” to the Woodinville winery. Chateau Ste. Michelle, $50–$86.

Sun, Sept 14
Drake and Lil Wayne
Two of hip-hop’s top MCs pair up, drawing crowds of fans to Auburn: Drake maintains an aura as one of the calmest and most introspective superstar rappers, while the sizzurp guzzling Lil Wayne is as brash as they come. White River Amphitheatre, $35–$125.

FILM

Sat, Sept 13
Puget Soundtrack: Vox Mod
Northwest Film Forum hosts the first edition of its new musical movie series Puget Soundtrack, where local artists provide a live soundtrack to one of their favorite films. The film selected remains a surprise until patrons arrive. Things get under way as electronic wizard Vox Mod performs along with an undisclosed flick by Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki. Northwest Film Forum, $15.

THEATER

Sept 12–28
Don Quixote and Sancho Panza: Homeless in Seattle
The man of La Mancha becomes the man of Seattle, when eSe Teatro adapts Don Quixote for modern times. In this version, the homeless Spanish gentleman wanders the streets and deals with his alcoholism and mental illness with help from a lax health care system. Forget windmills; this Don Quixote takes on the Great Wheel. ACT Theatre, $30.

VISUAL ART

Sept 13–Feb 1
Hilltop Artists’ 20th Anniversary
Tacoma’s Hilltop Artists celebrates two decades of serving at-risk youth by displaying its wares at the Museum of Glass. Cofounded by Dale Chihuly and Kathy Kaperick, the program gives students a chance to experience art through projects like converting Snapple bottles into blown-glass vases. The works on display offer a chronological look at Hilltop Artists’ impact. Museum of Glass, $12.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Sat, Sept 13
Night Market and Autumn Moon Festival
Seattle’s Chinatown–International District hosts a one-night celebration of Asian food and music at September’s Night Market and Autumn Moon Festival. Thirty food trucks offer special $5 Asian-themed items, and DJs spin Top 40 tunes during a late-night dance. Union Station Plaza, free.