ART 7 p.m., Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; free.
FILM 7:30 p.m., Oak Street Cinema, 309 Oak St. S.E., Minneapolis; $8 (students $6, senior/members $5).
BOOKS & AUTHORS 7 p.m., University of Minnesota Bookstore, Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-626-0559; free.
SOCIAL It’s the first Thursday of the month, and apparently, that means a Human Rights Campaign social hour. This month’s special guest is PFLAG — parents, families, and friends of lesbians and gays — so come on out and meet members of the community and other GLBT/Allied organizations. Learn about HRC and PFLAG, and share your own experiences in a supportive environment. 5:30 p.m., Jetset, 115 N First St., Minneapolis; 612-339-3933.
MUSIC 11 a.m. (tomorrow at 8 p.m.), Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicolett Mall, Minneapolis; 612-371-5656; $21-$55.
Did Salieri Really Kill Mozart? 8 p.m., Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul; 651-291-1144; $11-$59.
Also tonight, singer-songwriters Howe Gelb and Eleni Mandell perform at the Cedar (7:30 p.m.).
Brave New Worlds
Aldous Huxley’s ground-breaking novel Brave New World is probably one of the most influential pieces of literature of the twentieth century. In fact, three quarters of a century after its release, the novel is just as relevant and just as influential. Opening today is the Walker’s Brave New Worlds exhibit, which takes a stab at defining and shaping today’s political consciousness. Featuring 70 works by 24 artists from 17 countries, the exhibition offers diverse perspectives on what politically conscious art should be. Rather than resorting to standard political art, the artists have found their own unique ways to engage their audience, ponder questions, and take constructive positions. Be one of the first to see the exhibit, and join artists Sean Snyder, Dan Perjovschi, Runa Islam, and Haegue Yang — as well as exhibition curators Doryun Chong and Yasmil Raymond — for a panel discussion on the responsibility of artists in times of political fallout, globalization, and unstoppable technological process.
The Heartbreak Kid
While I do love a drama with a strong message — you know the kind — sometimes, all I’m looking for is a good laugh. Who better to fulfill this need than the Farrelly brothers? They’ve come a long way since earning their first credits for two Seinfeld episodes in the 80s — nailing some and flopping others — but they’ve stayed true to their comedic style. Tonight, enjoy a sneak preview of their latest endeavor, The Heartbreak Kid. This is your typical love sucks comedy in which Eddie, played by Ben Stiller, marries the woman of his dreams, just having met her. Of course, while honeymooning, he soon discovers her nightmarish qualities and meets the true woman of his dreams. Tada! Not a very stimulating plot, but I’m counting on the Farrelly brothers, Stiller, and an all-star cast to pull it off with flare.
Walt Jacobs Creates Order out of Chaos 
University of Minnesota professor and author Walter Jacobs grew up in a dysfunctional family that destroyed his self-esteem. The title of his recent memoir Ghostbox refers to a talisman he created to help bring about his recovery from the trauma — an old shoe box in which he kept symbolic keepsakes that helped him to understand and redefine himself. Meet him this evening, hear about his experiences, and learn how to make your own ghostbox to reflect upon your experiences and create strategies for empowerment. Jacobs will sign copies of his book following the discussion.
Twin Cities HRC Outreach & Social Night
Minnesota Orchestra
This weekend’s program is emblematic of conductor Osmo Vänskä’s five-year tenure to date with the orchestra. It begins with Rakastava
Shostakovich’s First Violin Concerto
If you can’t make it to the Minnesota Orchestra show during the day, don’t despair; you can still get your classical fix tonight with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Hans Graf, guest conductor with the SPCO and music director of the Houston Symphony, conducts a program highlighting the bitter rivalry between Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The first half of the program includes a piece by each composer: Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 and Salieri’s Concerto in C for Piano and Orchestra, featuring guest pianist Rieko Aizawa. The second half features Russian tenor Daniil Shtoda and Russian-American bass Mikhail Svetlov performing Rimsky-Korsakov’s concert opera, Mozart and Salieri, which ends with Salieri poisoning Mozart out of jealousy.
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