BOOKS AND TALKS

University Book Store

Aug 1 Tao Lin: The literary blogger (aka The Reader of Depressing Books) reads from his debut collection of short stories, Bed, and his novel, Eeeee Eee Eeee. His fiction is known alternatively as maddening or sad, but often very funny, and Lin himself shares those qualities (he's been known to show up for a reading in a bear costume). 4326 University Way N.E., Seattle. 206.634.3400. www.bookstore.washington.edu

DANCE

Museum of Glass

Aug 18 Dance Theater Northwest Performance and Lecture: Come learn about contemporary dance as the Dance Theater Northwest performs high-quality, ballet-based, American contemporary dance. A unique collaboration of dancers and musicians, the theater has performed in front of many communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. 1801 Dock St., Tacoma. 253.284.4750. www.museumofglass.org

MUSIC

Seattle Art Museum

Aug 9 Art of Jazz: Dave Peck: Enjoy an evening of jazz with Dave Peck. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Peck is known as an exceptional composer, arranger and pianist. 100 University St., Seattle. 206.625.8900. www.seattleartmuseum.org

Seattle Opera

Aug 4-25 The Flying Dutchman: In Wagner's 1841 opera, a cursed sea captain must find true love to redeem himself of his dire situation, but can only set foot on land every seven years to search for a bride. 321 Mercer St., Seattle. 206.389.7676. www.seattleopera.org

The Triple Door

Aug 15 The Farewell Tour of the Siegel-Schwall Band w/ the legendary Sam Lay: An integral part of the great blues revival of the 1960s, the Siegel-Schwall Band was the house band of Chicago's Pepper's Lounge. The band disbanded in 1974, but was revived in 1987 and has since taken an innovative approach to the blues, at times incorporating a string quartet and tabla in its performances.

Aug 26 The Here & Now Quintet: Formerly the Ben Roseth/Tatum Greenblatt Quintet, the band is still a leader in up-and-coming jazz. By mixing the music of earlier masters like Ellington, Coltrane and Davis with modern influences from around the world, Here & Now has come up with a fresh, exciting sound. The band's four previous performances at Triple Door were sold out. 216 Union St., Seattle. 206.838.4333. www.tripledoor.com

Dimitriou's Jazz Alley

Jul 31-Aug 5 Eartha Kitt: Distinguishing herself in film, theater, cabaret, music and television, Eartha Kitt is a versatile star of international renown. Tony, Grammy and Emmy nominations attest to her impact on the world of entertainment. Despite her long and widespread success, Kitt remains dedicated to performing for live audiences. 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle. 206.441.9729. www.jazzalley.com

THEATER

The Paramount

Aug 4-Sep 1 Young Frankenstein: Inspired by the 1974 film, Young Frankenstein is a reinvention of the Mary Shelley classic. Comic genius Mel Brooks brings to life Frederick von Frankenstein, a revered brain surgeon and professor who inherits his deranged but brilliant grandfather's castle and laboratory. Will he continue to run from his family's past or carry on with his grandfather's mad experiments? Young Frankenstein features music and lyrics by threetime Tony Award winner Brooks and is directed and choreographed by five-time Tony winner Susan Stroman. 911 Pine St., Seattle. 206.467.5510. www.theparamount.com

Harlequin Productions

Aug 23-Sep 15 Accomplice: Set in an isolated English country house, the play follows a twisted plot that will keep audiences guessing. 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. 360.786.0151. www.harlequinproductions.org

VISUAL ART

D'Adamo/Woltz Gallery

Aug 2-Sep 3 Simona Foggitt: Born in Milan, Foggitt grew up in South Africa before moving to Seattle. She paints to express her thoughts, thereby bringing to life the images stored in our brains. Starting with one line, she shows how it can extend to form all kinds of shapes. 307 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle. 206.652.4414. www.dadamowoltzgallery.com shown in Seattle. 15th Ave. N.E. & N.E. 41st St., Seattle. 206.543.2280. www.henryart.org