This week, tech titan Guy Kawasaki discusses his new book at Kepler’s Books and renowned South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs at Stanford Live on Wednesday; Palo Alto’s 3rd Thursday monthly music event marks World Poetry Day and actor and author Brett Gelman shares his debut book at the Palo Alto JCC on Thursday.
Guy Kawasaki
Guy Kawasaki, “chief evangelist” for the online design platform Canva and creator of the “Remarkable People” podcast, will come to Kepler’s to discuss his new book, “Think Remarkable,” offering guidance on how to have a growth mindset, take up life’s challenges and contribute to making the world a better place. According to Kepler’s, the “pocket pamphlet” contains Kawasaki’s insights from working with big tech companies and with prominent luminaries such as Carol Dweck, Stacey Abrams and Steve Wozniak. Kawasaki will appear in conversation with Kepler’s host Angie Coiro.
March 20, 7 p.m., Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, $15-$42, keplers.org.Â
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Renowned South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, with its spectacular harmonies and joyful performances of songs in Zulu and traditional English hymns, has been delighting audiences for many decades. The group released its first album in South Africa 1973 and rose to global fame after collaborating with Paul Simon on his smash 1986 album “Graceland.” Ladysmith Black Mambazo has carried on after founder Joseph Shabalala’s retirement in 2014 and death in 2020, and the group honors his legacy by continuing to perform internationally, including at Stanford this week. March 20, 7:30 p.m., Bing Concert Hall, 327 Lasuen St., Stanford, $15-$82, stanford.edu/calendar/march-2024/ladysmith-black-mambazo.Â
3rd Thursdays
Channel your inner poet at Palo Alto’s monthly live music event. The March edition has the theme “Peace and Harmony” celebrating World Poetry Day (which also takes place on March 21). Visitors can hear performances by three bands playing outdoors along California Avenue, plus they can read their own poetry during an open mic. The musical lineup features Naveen Schwarzkopf Quartet, a high school jazz band made up of members of SFJAZZ High School All-Stars Big Band; Help! From My Friends, a recently formed Beatles tribute band; and Enzo Anchietta & Friends, featuring singer-songwriter Anchietta joined by musicians Dwalu Khasu and Goro Yeh. Visitors can also enjoy a free photo booth and art sharing table. Some area restaurants and merchants offer extended hours and specials during the event.Â
March 21, 6-9 p.m. along California Avenue, Palo Alto. 3rdthursday.fun.
Brett Gelman
You may recognize Brett Gelman from his standout work on “Stranger Things” or “Fleabag.” The longtime comedian and actor is also a writer, and he’ll appear at the Oshman Family JCC to promote his debut book, “The Terrifying Realm of the Possible: Nearly True Stories.” The book contains tales of five characters, “each navigating a uniquely strange stage of life,” and facing big issues, told with daring humor, according to the event website, The president and CEO of the Oshman Family JCC, Zach Bodner, will moderate the conversation with Gelman.
March 21, 8 p.m., Freidenrich Conference Center, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, paloaltojcc.org.
