Jello Biafra’s spoken word: The anarchist, former lead singer of the Dead Kennedys will perform his socially and politically progressive spoken word at the Epicentre in San Diego. Tickets are $13. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. The Epicentre is located at 8450 Mira Mesa Blvd. (858) 271-4000, www.casbahmusic.com.

Art opening: An art opening reception for local artist Jessi Rapp takes place at Urban Grind from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight. The evening will feature drink specials and a DJ. Urban Grind is located at 3799 Park Blvd. (619) 299-4763.

The Damned: Seminal British punk band The Damned plays with The Adored, The Epoxies and Mimi Le Meaux at 8:00 p.m. at the House of Blues. Tickets are $23 in advance and $25 the day of the show. The House of Blues is located at 1055 Fifth Ave. (619) 220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com.

Pre-Thanksgiving open wine night: Don’t miss the pre-Thanksgiving taste-off and open wine night put on by the Wine Smarties at Aubergine from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. Participants will sample four Thanksgiving-compatible styles of wine, and all wines being poured will be available for purchase by the glass. Admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Aubergine is located at 500 Fourth Ave. downtown. RSVP to lindsay@winesmarties.com and visit www.winesmarties.com for more information.

The Nutcracker: A funky fresh take on the old classic featuring the music of Duke Ellington and choreographed by local dancer Daniel Marshall of LaDiego Dance Theater takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Educational Cultural Complex, located at 4343 Oceanview Blvd. Visit www.ladiego.org for tickets and further information.

“In the Spotlight”: Earl Thomas performs with special guest Eve Selis at 8:00 p.m. at the North Park Theatre. The show will feature new material from Thomas’ forthcoming CD, Plantation Gospel, plus covers of Nina Simone, Elton John and Shirley Bassey.

A portion of the proceeds from this show will benefit the Lulu Blue Foundation. Tickets are $20 to $50. The North Park Theatre is located at 2891 University Ave. (619) 239-8836, www.northparktheatre.com.

David Laurito photography: Pleasures & Treasures, an erotic art gallery and leather boutique owned by Bill Freyer and Tim Melodick, is featuring the work of photographer extraordinaire David Laurito now through Dec. 15. A reception takes place Nov. 19 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Pleasures & Treasures, located at 2228 University Ave. (619) 822-4280.

Let’s Write: Center board member Lovel Waiters leads a creative-writing group at the Women’s Resource Center at The Center on the third Monday of every month, beginning at 7:15 p.m. It’s a great way to meet local literary women and get inspired. (619) 692-2077 ext. 206.

Gay Men’s Writing Group: The writing group meets at The Center at 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. The group is open to both amateur and professional writers, who read from their works and are critiqued by the other members. The Center is located at 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest. For additional information, contact Sam Warren at (619) 546-7651.

Women’s mixer at Flicks: Flicks has brought back their fun women’s night on the third Tuesday of every month. Come out and meet other local women. There is free pool all night and drink specials. Flicks is located at 1017 University Ave. in Hillcrest. (619) 296-6789.

Plaid Tidings: This yuletide version of Forever Plaid, one of San Diego’s all-time favorite musicals, makes its local debut for Broadway/San Diego at one of the city’s cultural jewel boxes, the Spreckels Theatre, in a special two-week engagement, Nov. 17-Dec. 3. Tickets are $19.75 to $65.75. The Nov. 22 show begins at 7:00 p.m. The Spreckels Theatre is located at 121 Broadway in downtown San Diego. (619) 220-TIXS, www.broadwaysd.com.

Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Dinner: The annual Thanksgiving dinner for those with HIV/AIDS will take place from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, located at 4190 Front St. The dinner, which drew hundreds of people last year and is sponsored by the Imperial Court and APICAP, needs your continued support. (619) 993-8315, (619) 229-2822.