Billy Collins

Wednesday, April 20, 7:30 p.m.
Sidney Goldstein Theater (275 Hayes St.)
One of the most popular contemporary poets, Collins is famous for conversational poems that welcome readers with humor but often slip into profound observations on the everyday, reading and writing, and poetry itself. He’ll talk about his work, and read from his newest collection, Whale Day, and other books. $36, 415-392-4400, cityarts.net