THEATER

Thru Feb 21
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Too few sick days this flu season got you in a sour workplace mood? Laugh away those woes with the 5th Avenue Theatre production of How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, the satirical musical sendup of the madcap world of 1960s business. J. Pierrepont Finch’s comedic and meteoric rise up the corporate ladder mixes Mad Men panache with Broadway flash. 5th Avenue Theatre, $31–$106

VISUAL ART

Feb 11–May 8
Kehinde Wiley
New York painter Kehinde Wiley revels in shaking up the traditions of his go-to artistic genre. Using his African American brethren from Harlem, Wiley mimics the grandeur of classic European portraiture without its stuffy whiteness. Each work bursts with vibrant colors and sets the lively subjects against loud, colorful patterns that jump off the canvas and demand the viewers’ attention. Seattle Art Museum, $20

BOOKS & TALKS

Thur, Feb 11
Yann Martel 
Lovers of Life of Pi and Yann Martel rejoice! The critically acclaimed author has just released his latest book, The High Mountains of Portugal, a story that is equal parts treasure hunt, ghost tale, and fable. Taking place at three different intervals within the 20th century, the novel weaves through time and the human soul. Head to Central Library early to hear Martel read from the novel and experience the marvelous, masterful worlds that only he can create. Seattle Public Library, Free

Fri, Feb 12
Hugo Literary Series: What Goes Around Comes Around
The season of cliche exploration continues at Hugo House as a cast of writers tackles the prompt “what goes around comes around.” Be it comeuppance or karmic reward, there’s plenty to investigate when poets D. A. Powell and Sierra Nelson join novelist Heidi Julavits and musician OCnotes for a lit night on Capitol Hill. Hugo House, $25

COMEDY

Sun, Feb 14
A Date with John Waters
Feeling lonely this Valentine’s Day? Let John Waters be your surrogate date. The king of camp filmmaking (Hairspray, Pink Flamingos) brings another one-man show packed with his colorful brand of storytelling in order to chase your heartbroken blues away. Neptune Theatre, $36–$39

CONCERTS

Sat, Feb 13
EMP Sound Off!
See the freshest faces in the Seattle music scene as EMP kicks off the 15th year of Sound Off!, its 21 and under battle of the bands competition. Over the years Sound Off! has featured notable the talents of Sol, the Lonely Forest, Kithkin, Manatee Commune, Brothers From Another, and Brite Futures, proving its worth as a breeding ground for up-and-coming acts. The four-weekend event kicks off with performances from Copalis, Cosmos, Jazzy Tee, and Party Shark before culminating in the finals on March 5. Experience Music Project, $14

Sat, Feb 13
Onry Ozzborn
Seattle dark rapper Onry Ozzborn called in help for more than a few of his super talented friends while making his upcoming album Duo. While the record doesn’t drop until March 25, he’s rallying the crew early for a concert where he’ll premiere a new 13-minute music video “Duofilm.” The diverse lineup includes P.O.S., Kimya Dawson, Grayskul (Onry’s own group), and more. Nectar Lounge, $10–$15

Sun, Feb 14
Valentine’s Day with Chastity Belt and Lemolo 
Whether you’re dateless and looking for a distraction or have a boo that’s cool with lovingly rocking out, the Valentine’s Day show at Nectar Lounge should make for the perfect night. Chastity Belt, Seattle’s most Tinderific band, provides enough endearing cynicism match even the hardest of hearts, while the always lovely dream pop of Lemolo will have the whole crowd swooning over Meagan Grandall. Nectar Lounge, $12–$15

CLASSICAL & MORE

Feb 11–14
Beethoven Symphony no. 3
This season the symphony and conductor Ludovic Morlot embarked on a two-year cycle, performing all of the world’s most famous composer’s symphonies and piano concertos. If you missed the initial installments, Beethoven’s Symphony no. 3 offers a perfect point to jump in and experience this epic classical music journey. Benaroya Hall, $21–$121

THE SPORTING LIFE

Sat, Feb 13
Harlem Globetrotters
When it comes to sporting dynasties, no team can touch the tradition of the Harlem Globetrotters (let’s agree to ignore the part where the outcome is more scripted than pro wrestling). America’s winningest and zaniest squad brings its highly entertaining basketball trickery (and incompetent refereeing) to KeyArena in celebration of the Globetrotter’s 90th anniversary. It’s the rare sporting event packed with enough skill, comedy, and antics to keep the whole family entertained. KeyArena, $19–$129