Wednesday, Sept. 23

Crafting an Effective Proposal. No, not that kind; this is strictly for graduate students. Dr. Victoria Stefani of the Writing Skills Improvement Program will discuss — what else? — what goes into a solid proposal. 4 p.m. Modern Languages building, Room 413. Free.

Chow Down for Hounds. This Humane Society of Southern Arizona fundraiser features a sandwich-eating contest, dog contests and live music by — who else? — The Hounds. Call 321-3704 or visit hssaz.org for more information. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Main Gate Square, University Boulevard between Park Avenue and Euclid Avenue. Free.

Random Obsessions and Strange Stories. Author Nick Belardes will talk about — what else? — random obsessions and weird stories, all found in his new book about bizarre trivia. By the way, we promise that the next entry will not include the phrase “”what else?”” It’s starting to get weird. 4:30 p.m. UofA Bookstore. Free.

Thursday, Sept. 24

“”Footsteps of Water”” opening reception. This exhibit explores water as a symbol of the conflict in the Middle East, and marks the start of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies photography exhibition. Appetizers will be provided; advice on how you can leave footsteps in water will probably not be provided. 4 p.m. Marshall building, Room 470. Free.

“”Coming in Hot.”” This one-woman show features actress Jeanmarie Simpson, who will perform more than a dozen monologues from the writings of women in the U.S. military. And yes, we’re as bewildered as you by the phrase “”coming in hot.”” 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Rhythm Industry Performance Factory, 1013 S. Tyndall Ave. $50 Thursday night (opening night fundraiser, refreshments included); $15 general admission; $10 for students, veterans and seniors all other shows.

Friday, Sept. 25

Kari Shaff, Some of Them Are Old, Sian Alice Group, Star Eater. This may well be the oddest-sounding lineup in history. If no one in Some of Them Are Old looks older than you, you might consider demanding a refund. Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. Kari Shaff in the lounge from 6-8 p.m., free; the rest are $5, doors at 9 p.m. 

Sheila Bender. The poet and essayist discusses her new memoir, “”A New Theology: Turning to Poetry in a Time of Grief.”” 7 p.m. Antigone Books, 411 N. Fourth Ave. Free.

Saturday, Sept. 26

The Polemics of Love. Today is your last chance to see this exhibit, which features gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender-themed art (see “”Mature content,”” Daily Wildcat, Sept. 9). 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Conrad Wilde Gallery, 210 N. Fourth Ave. Free.

Poetry Joey. This is a Saturday morning activity for children ages 4 to 10, who get to read and write their own poetry. Just think — your kid could grow up to be the next major poet your grandchildren are forced to read in college! 10 a.m. UA Poetry Center, Children’s Corner, Library. Free.

“”Titans of Late Romanticism.”” Does your heart thrill to the roar of Richard Wagner’s Olympian epics? Do you melt away at the hint of Verdi? Do you know how to pronounce Brahms? If so, this is the concert for you. Verdi’s “”La forza del destino,”” Wagner’s “”Siegfried Idyll,”” and Brahms’s Symphony No. 4 in E minor will be featured. The Arizona Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Thomas Cockrell. Crowder Hall, School of Music. 7:30-9 p.m. $5.

Sunday, Sept. 27

Spamalot. This is your last chance to see the Monty Python musical in Tucson before it leaves. If you miss it, though, don’t fret — there’s probably a 15-year-old in your neighborhood who can recite all the dialogue for you. Checkbroadwayintucson.com for showtimes. Tucson Music Hall, 100 N. Stone Ave. Tickets range from $27 to $67.

Monday, Sept. 28

OUR PICK:

Feed the World Day. This event seeks to raise awareness about the world’s hunger problem. It features a six-course vegan meal, live music, metaphysical booths, massages and more. For once, we’re hard-pressed for snarky remarks — starved of them, if you will. Oh, shoot. 4-8 p.m. Govinda’s Natural Foods Restaurant and Boutique, 711 E. Blacklidge Drive. Free.

The Ataris. This isn’t a concert; it’s an art event where 30-somethings stand up and rhapsodize about how much better the primitize game consoles of their youth were than the flashy, overpriced gadgets you kids delude yourselves into enjoying. No, we’re just kidding, it’s a concert. This Indiana-based pop-punk band recorded much of its latest album in Mesa. All ages. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. $12 in advance; $14 day of show.

Tuesday, Sept. 29

Phil Villarreal. The journalist and author will read and sign copies of his book, “”Secrets of a Stingy Scoundrel.”” (See “”Author’s money-saving ‘secrets’ not recommended to adults,”” Daily Wildcat, Sept. 11) Say, if he’s revealed them, does that mean they’re not secrets anymore? 4:30 p.m. UofA BookStore. Free.

Bobby Keys. What do The Who, The Rolling Stones and George Harrison have in common? Well, they’re all British, but they also all worked with this legendary American sax player, who famously honked the solo on the Stones classic “”Brown Sugar.”” Doors open at 6 p.m. The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. $20.

— compiled by Justyn Dillingham