THURS – BOOKS
Her slim science best seller, Longitude, put her on the publishing map. Now Dava Sobel turns her attention from navigating by stars to The Planets (Viking, $24.95), considering how those closer orbs figure in our myths, culture, and consciousness. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 27. $5. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255, www.townhallseattle.org. BRIAN MILLER
THURS–FRI – MUSIC
Who would have guessed that the deliberately archaic-minded rock of the Decemberists would reach critical mass? It’s understandable with an album as relentlessly tuneful as the new Picaresque (Kill Rock Stars), though. 8 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 27–Fri., Oct. 28. $15. Showbox, 1426 First Ave., 206-628-3151, www.showboxonline.com. MICHAELANGELO MATOS
SAT & TUES – STAGE
The drama of David Esbjornson’s first season as artistic director at Seattle Rep continues with the premiere of Ariel Dorfman’s Purgatorio. Previews begin 7:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 29. $15–$46. Seattle Center, 206-443-2222, www.seattlerep.org. And the Chilean-born playwright/activist visits Benaroya Hall. 7:30 p.m. Tues., Nov. 1. $8–$10. 200 University St., www.nextbook.org. LYNN JACOBSON
