PETER HARTLAUB’S POP CULTURE AND COMEDY PICKS
Harold and Maude: Hal Ashby directed this 1971 dark comedy starring Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon, filled with existential thoughts, romance and some excellent Bay Area location scouting. Playing one time only at the Balboa, which continues to show a nice mix of new releases, classics and special events. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14. Balboa Theatre, $9-$12. 3630 Balboa St., S.F. www. cinemasf.com
Mark Pitta: One of the more genial and warm comedians to come out of the 1980s San Francisco comedy scene, Pitta also has been a tireless supporter of other comedians. He heads south to play the San Jose Improv. 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14. San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose. https://sanjose.improv.com
Johnny Mathis: The San Francisco native became one of the most popular performers of the 1950s and 1960s, singing a mix of standards and his own songs. He arrives at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa; the venue is still in business after a scare during the North Bay fires. 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. www.lutherburbankcenter.org
Petty Theft: The Bay Area’s hardworking Tom Petty cover band play everywhere, but this twoday stay at the wonderfully old-school outpost Rancho Nicasio should be particularly memorable. 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Feb. 16 and 17. Rancho Nicasio, 1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio. www.ranchonicasio.com
Sinbad: The TV and movie actor, and 1985 San Francisco Comedy Competition winner, returns to the Bay Area for four shows at Tommy T’s in Pleasanton. Two shows each night, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 16 and 17. Tommy T’s comedy club, 5104 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton. www.tommyts.com