Friday, October 15th

READING | Billy Corgan

Singer-songwriter Billy Corgan of former Smashing Pumpkins fame will read from his newly released collection of poems. Come hear this ever-evolving mind of the ’90s, in the process of writing his first novel, stripped of synthesizers and guitar strings. Free. Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave. 7 p.m. (JSG)

MUSIC | Capitol Steps

This time of year politics is everywhere. A group of congressional staffers turned songwriters, Capitol Steps take that to heart, using politics as material and putting it to Ella Fitzgerald or a pop number. Song titles include “Fakey Purple Heart” and “Edwards vs. Cheney”. Tickets $30, $27, 22. Harvard Box Office (617) 496-2222. 8:30 p.m. Sanders Theatre. (JSG)

FILM | Infernal Affairs

Remember when knowing about John Woo was the cutting edge of cinematic cool? You know, before he started making claptrap like Paycheck? Well, there is a new Hong Kong action flick that those in the know have been talking about since its 2002 megablockbuster release in its native country: Infernal Affairs. It is the story of a cop who is undercover in the mob and a mob man working undercover as a cop. But this is no namby-pamby Donnie Brasco knockoff. Both sides realize they have a traitor, and the action begins in the classic Hong Kong action style. The remake, to be directed by Martin Scorsese, is already in production. Catch the original now. 7:30 p.m. The Brattle Theater. 16 Brattle St. (SAW)

Saturday, October 16

DANCE | Ain’t No Half Steppin’

This dance benefit concert is put on by the Harvard Society of Black Scientistsand Engineers, which is dedicated to the advancement of minorities in science.Proceeds from the third annual step show will benefit HSBSE’s Science Club forGirls, designed to encourage more young minority women to pursue careers in thesciences. Tickets $7 general; $5 HSBSE members $5. 7:30 p.m. Lowell Lecture Hall. Harvard Box Office (617)496-2222. (MEB)

THEATER | Far Away

A disturbing venture into the world of trauma and abuse. See today’s review. Written by Caryl Gluck, directed by Aoife Spillane-Hinks and produced by Mollie Kirk and Sarah Curtis. The play is presented and sponsored by the Harvard University Committee on Human Rights Studies and the Ann Radcliffe Trust. Loeb Ex. Tickets free at the Loeb Drama Center box office. (617) 547-3800. (JSG)

MUSIC | Boston Early Music Festival Concerts: Fretwork

Called “the world’s leading viol vonsort,” Fretwork features guest artist Emma Kirkby, soprano. Works include English consort songs by Byrd, Wilbye, Tye, Hume, Dowland and Gibbons. A lecture precedes the concert. Tickets are $21-$59, with discounts available for students, senior citizens and groups. (Harvard Box Office) (617) 424-7232. Paine Hall, 8 p.m. (JSG)