THEATER: A new multimedia opera called Violet Fire centers on legendary inventor Nikola Tesla, who not only claimed over 700 patents but also inspired basically the most wicked band ever. Part of the BAM Next Wave Festival, the show conceptualizes the inner life of the man whose famous “waking hallucinations” led to great breakthroughs in electricity (alternating current, hydroelectric power), wireless broadcasting (radio transmission), robotics (remote control), and mind-blowing guitar riffs. (Ends Saturday!) - John Del Signore

7:30pm // BAM Opera House 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn // Buy tickets here

READING: It's a rare appearance, but veteran journalist Bob Woodward (of Watergate fame) will be appearing at the 92nd Street Y to talk with CUNY president Stephen Shepard about the Bush administration. Woodward has a new book out, State of Denial: Bush at War, Part III, and his books always have people talking, so the panel should be an interesting one. - Krissa Corbett Cavouras

8pm // 92nd Street Y [E 92nd St at Lexington] // $25

FILM: Jay Bakker is the star of the documentary film One Punk, Under God. He is also the only son of Jim and Tammy Faye Baker. In this film, Bakker attempts to bring rock and religion together through his Revolution Church (he heads up this non-denominational parish in Atlanta, which aims at showing churches today can be hip and welcoming). And guess what, you can ask him questions after the film, because he'll be there! Beware the expensive pricetag, however.

8pm // The Museum of Television & Radio [25 W 52nd St] // $25

MUSIC: Beck is at the Theater at Madison Square Garden tonight, in support of his new album The Information. Go listen to some of it on his MySpace page, and while you're at it, add him as a friend - he's only got 119,000+ of them.

8pm // Theater at Madison Square Garden // $54