Valley Life : page turner

The Poet Circle at Barnes & Noble, 731 N. San Fernando Road, Burbank, will feature three Los Angeles-based writers--Marianne Franco, Anne La Borde and Chiwan Choi--tonight at 7:30. The Frank Canlas Jazz Quartet will perform Sunday at 3 p.m. Author Michael Jacob Rochlin will discuss and sign his book, “Ancient L.A.,” which features a collection of classic old photos of places and buildings in Los Angeles, Thursday at 7:30 p.m. (818) 558-1383.

Author Sheri Updike will prepare recipes from her book, the “Lactose-Free Cookbook,” tonight at 8 at Barnes & Noble, 4735 Commons Way, Calabasas. Author Robyn Todd signs and discusses her book, “How to Survive Your Boyfriend’s Divorce,” Sunday at 3 p.m. (818) 222-0542.

Singer-songwriter Dan Bern will perform a special midnight show Saturday at Exile Books and Music, 14925 Magnolia Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Unfortunately, tickets to hear the Sony Recording artist, even with a $20 price tag, have sold out. Tonight’s musical schedule includes singer-songwriters Karen Nash, Robert Morgan Fisher and Boston-based Deb Pasternak. Earlier Saturday evening, Tom Winslow and Steve Halter will perform. 8 p.m. show time and $5 cover both nights. The Sunday Open Mike is for performers with original material only. Songwriters may perform two songs and spoken-word artists get eight minutes onstage. Sign ups at 6 p.m. (818) 986-6409.

Harpist Hollienea will perform selections from her CD, “Vision of the Grail,” tonight at 8 at Borders Books & Music, 9301 Tampa Ave., Northridge. The straight-ahead jazz of the Ascenders will be showcased Saturday at 8 p.m. Saxophonist Michael Paulo makes his Borders debut Sunday at 3 p.m. First-time novelist Marc Matz will sign and discuss his sci-fi thriller, “Nocturne for a Dangerous Man,” Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. (818) 886-5443.

Spanish guitarist Robby Longley performs cuts from his CD, “Danza Mora,” Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Borders Books & Music, 6510 Canoga Ave., Canoga Park. (818) 887-1999.

Author Richard Setlowe will discuss his new suspense novel, “The Sexual Occupation of Japan,” and hold a mini-workshop on writing thrillers Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 16461 Ventura Blvd., Encino, (818) 380-1636.