Raleigh
David Ebershoff
Quail Ridge Books & MusicAuthor David Ebershoff returns with his third novel, The 19th Wife, which transmutes history and mystery into a rich sociological tapestry. The novel’s parallel stories involve polygamy among the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: One strand involves Ann Eliza Young, who became a crusader against plural marriage after her betrothal to Brigham Young. Another modern plotline concerns a man investigating which of his father’s wives murdered him. Ebershoff writes with an eagle eye for historical detail to give an accurate picture of life within the community, both in the 1800s and today. He also incorporates various types of texts to layer information from different viewpoints to give the audience a well-rounded perspective. Ebershoff’s book is out in paperback now, and he will read from it tonight at 7:30. For more information, visit quailridgebooks.com. Sarah Ewald
Durham
Beverly “Guitar” Watkins
American Tobacco CampusDon’t you wish your grandma could wail like this? As Beverly Watkins closes in on her 70th birthday, she’s earned her “Guitar” appellative several times over: Given a six-string by her aunt in primary school, Watkins was reared on her grandmother’s records of early 20th-century blues women like Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie before she joined the band of albino Memphis howler Piano Red half a century ago. Watkins’ solo debut arrived 40 years later, earning her a W.C. Handy Award nomination. Live, she delivers a smoking brand of blues that’s filled with more joy than sorrow. Whether she’s dancing a little boogie or laying down some harp, Watkins makes you believe when she sings she’s “gonna rock some more,” whatever her age. The free outdoor show gets rolling at 6 p.m. Spencer Griffith
Durham
Not Yet Rain
Durham Arts CouncilWith the issue of reproductive rights and the practice of safe abortion on the minds of Americans, it’s vital to expand our view from local to global and realize that reproductive values and the safety of women is an issue of worldwide importance. IPAS, the Chapel Hill-based organization devoted to promoting the sexual and reproductive health of the world’s women, screens its new documentary, Not Yet Rain. This film explores abortion in Ethiopia through the personal narratives of two young women, Tigist and Belynash, who have become pregnant following rapes. The film offers a picture of conditions in third-world countries through interviews with health-care providers, advocates, traditional healers and women affected by unsafe abortion practices. Lend an eye and ear to international women’s struggles for reproductive safety tonight at 7. Admission is free. Live music and a discussion follow the screening. Kathy Justice
Raleigh
Kevin Pollak
Goodnight’s Comedy ClubActor and comedian Kevin Pollak has been a visible face in Hollywood for years, popping up in roles ranging from the dramatic (A Few Good Men, Deterrence) to the lightly comic (Grumpy Old Men, The Whole Nine Yards) to the darkly comic (The Usual Suspects and many more) to well-beneath-him gigs in films like She’s All That. He also does the best damn Christopher Walken and William Shatner impressions of any comedian, to the point that he’s even written about how to successfully impersonate Shatnera valuable skill for anyone to have. For all his acting work and general service to humanity, Pollak remains a standup at heart, and will appear at Goodnight’s through Saturday with special guest, Big A. There are no passes or discounts for the show. Ticket prices and showtimes vary; for more information, visit www.goodnightscomedy.com or call 828-5233. Zack Smith
