Literary: If I had to predict a good way to spend your lunch break, I’d put our money on the free discussion of Nate Silver’s “The Signal and the Noise: Why So Many Predictions Fail – but Some Don’t,” which will be held in the Kate Gleason Auditorium of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County (115 South Ave.) from 12:12 to 1 p.m. David Birken, director of business analytics and development and a senior manager at ICD International, will present his review of the bestselling book from the revered political forecaster and New York Times blogger. The discussion is part of the Central Library’s Books Sandwiched In weekly lunchtime literary series. Go to www3.libraryweb.org for the full series schedule and other library events.
Music: Before Hank III nasally announced a return of outlaw country to the outlaws, there was Texas troubadour Wayne Hancock. A songwriter since he was 12, Hancock landed in 1995 with “Thunderstorms and Neon Signs.” He also contributed heavily to the aforementioned Williams’ debut. Hancock is the real deal, a throwback to general stores and sawdust floors with an affinity for the two-step. His touring guitarist, Mark Mencher, is a simply amazing guitarist from the Scotty Moore school of rollicking finger-style. His twangin’ with Hancock’s sangin’ makes this the show of the week. Yee haw! Wayne Hancock performs tonight, 8:30 p.m. at Abilene Bar & Lounge, 153 Liberty Pole Way. $15-$20. abilenebarandlounge.com.
Special event: Immerse yourself in the mysteries and marvels of mushrooms – no, not those mushrooms – at the Radical Mycology meet-up, a gathering organized by Smugtown Mushrooms, a collective of Rochester fungi enthusiasts. The free meet-up starts at 7 p.m. at 127 Railroad St. Go to smugtownmushrooms.com for more information about the group’s fungi fun.
Kids: Looking for a way to keep your kids entertained without spending any more money on toys, classes, snacks, or whatever else they might want at any given moment? The National Museum of Play (One Manhattan Square) has got you covered for today. For the one-day-only Terrific Tots Tuesday, the museum is offering buy-one-get-one-free admission to any and all visitors. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Check out museumofplay.com for other special events.
