ARTS FEST—Hurray, it’s time once again for TBA—the 11-day Time-Based Arts festival that never ceases to amaze. Tonight kicks off with a special free all-ages performance from Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks—but there’s so much amazement to follow, including Requiem Mass: LGBT/Working Title, a musical work by Holcombe Waller honoring members of the LGBT community who’ve been persecuted by religion. And TBA’s just getting started! WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks at the Works at the Redd, 831 SE Salmon, 10:30 pm, FREE, all ages; Requiem Mass, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 147 NW 19th, Fri & Sat 6:30 pm, $10-30 sliding scale, pica.org
BOOKS—The undisputed great American (sci-fi) novelist and light of Portland Ursula K. Le Guin (YAY!) has a new book out, Steering the Craft, a writing guide that should be required reading for aspiring Nebula winners. Also, Le Guin’s been known to say some amazing things when she’s given a platform (like calling out Amazon at last year’s National Book Awards). We’re not worthy! MEGAN BURBANK
Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside, 7:30 pm, FREE