READING: Got some free time on a Thursday afternoon? Then head up to the 92nd
Street Y at lunchtime to hear readings from former poet laureate Billy Collins and novelist Francine Prose. - Krissa Corbett Cavouras

1pm // 92nd Street Y [Lexington Ave and 92nd St] // $17

THEATER:If ventriloquist dummies haunt you like Mr. Marbles, here’s a golden opportunity to overcome your fears. The promotional blurb for Jay Johnson: The Two and Only! asserts that Johnson has "converted generations of ventriloquist-avoiding Americans with his charm, anarchy and innovative wit. In this hit Broadway show, he leads a parade of characters that range from a subversive monkey to a withering tennis ball." Charles Isherwood, in his review for the Times, found the show fascinating, and then admitted that some of his best friends are socks. - John Del Signore

7pm // Helen Hayes Theatre [240 West 44th St] // Tickets

EVENT: The Happy Ending Music and Reading Series takes place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month. According to New York Magazine, it's the best in the city! Host, curator and recent NY Times "New Bohemian" Amanda Stern helps keep this thing going. Tonight join Michelle Wildgen, Ruth Ellen Kocher, and David Lehman for a reading, with music by Rebecca Moore.

8pm // Happy Ending [302 Broome St] // Free

MUSIC: Silversun Pickups and Viva Voce hit Mercury Lounge tonight. A solid lineup of synth, so get there early. Listen to Silversun PIckups here.

If that's not your thing, we won't judge. Maybe you want to head over to the free in store with Professor Murder, eh? Yeah you do. Here's a live track for you to listen to right now: The Mountain.mp3

9pm // Mercury Lounge [Houston at Essex] // $12
6:30 pm // Rocks in Your Head [133 Roebling between N 4th and N 5th] // Free