Once a year, writers, comedians, and musicians take the stage at the Fox Theater (1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland) for a fundraiser of the most heartwarming proportions. Audience members dance, laugh, and experience new literary heights -- all while contributing to one of the most objectively good local causes there is: Children's Hospital Oakland. This year's iteration will feature former US Poet Laureate Billy Collins, local science writer and comedienne extraordinaire Mary Roach, author (and Notes & Words founder) Kelly Corrigan, and TV star Lauren Graham, plus music from G. Love; porch-folk lyricists Goodnight, Texas; and Oakland School for the Arts' award-winning a capella group, Vocal Rush. Consider your Saturday, May 18 booked. 8 p.m., $50 and up. 510-428-3814 or NotesandWords.org
$50-$175