YO-YO MA
It's the beginning of a new age. The ignoble Barnes and Noble's website will broadcast a concert by the prolific Yo-Yo Ma. Be a part of the virtual concertgoing community, semi-formal attire required. As far as I can tell, nothing will be read. www.bn.com, 9pm, free.
BUDDY WAKEFIELD
Seattle may never get a peg on the national poetry slam map because we're too darn nice (the press release says "pretty please"), our streets are damp instead of gritty, and our energy comes from a tall mocha latte. The folks at Rupert's keep slammin', though, and their Seattle Poetry Slam is now seven years old, with an upcoming CD being released and a month-long bill of guests visiting from around the country. Tonight, the harsh words of Buddy Wakefield might give Seattle a better jolt than caffeine. Rupert's, 309 First Ave S, 628-7703, 9 pm, free.
JEN HOFER, BRYANT MASON
Seattle has always been good at showcasing bizarre writers. There's something about living in a corner city in the continental United States that drives writers into damp basements to cook up eccentric, personality-driven work (San Diego and Key West are the same; I've never been to Maine, but Stephen King doesn't count). This low-profile panache has engendered the aptly named "Subtext" experimental writing series, which will feature Jen Hofer, fiddler and co-founder of Groundzero Telesonic Outfit International, and Bryant Mason, who promises to leave his ukulele at home. Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 322-7030, 7:30 pm, $5 suggested donation.
ROBERT MICHAEL PYLE
This guy has chased butterflies over 9,500 miles while tracking "the elusive and little-understood" monarch. He superimposes tales of his journey onto the story of the American West, and the meander is engaging (see bio box). University Book Store, 4326 University Way NE, 634-3400, 7 pm, free.
