READINGS

SCRAMBLED THINKING A behavioral economist, Dan Ariely, discusses his latest book, “Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions” (HarperCollins). In it, Mr. Ariely explores principles of irrationality, trying to determine how decisions are made as a result of irrational behavior. For example, Mr. Ariely probes the reasons people might be still nursing a headache after taking a 1-cent aspirin, but why that same headache disappears if the aspirin costs 50 cents. He discusses how this kind of irrationality isn’t random or senseless, but systemic in our society. Tonight, 7 p.m., Barnes and Noble, 2289 Broadway at 82nd Street, 212-362-8835, free.

MUSIC

SOUND CHECK In 1988, Bobby McFerrin’s Grammy Award-winning “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” became the first a cappella song to reach the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The tune spawned a catchphrase that has earned its place in the ’80s pop culture canon, but also demonstrated the leaps the human voice could make. As part of Carnegie Hall’s “Around the Globe” series, Mr. McFerrin performs recent music. He is joined by acclaimed bluegrass vocalist Alison Krauss, and double bassist Edgar Meyer.

Tomorrow, 8 p.m., Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium, 881 Seventh Ave. at 57th Street, 212-247-7800, $23–$76.

TRUE LOVE WILL FIND YOU In the 1980s, singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston began producing lo-fi cassette recordings of his music at home. His work eventually made him a favorite of the alternative music scene in the 1990s, drawing the attention of such artists as Kurt Cobain and members of Sonic Youth and Yo La Tengo. A documentary focusing on Mr. Johnston, produced by a Dutch broadcasting station, only heightened his profile. Now, having weathered the ups and downs of the music industry and battling manic depression, the musician returns to the stage, performing selections from his album, “Welcome to My World,” and other tunes. Tomorrow, 9 p.m., Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16th St. at Tenth Avenue, 212-414-5994, $20.

TALKS

THE GOOD WIFE The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology hosts a reading and book signing with writer Rosemary Feitelberg. Ms. Feitelberg is the ready-to-wear and sportswear news market editor of Women’s Wear Daily. She has penned the introduction to Anne Fogarty’s 1959 volume “Wife Dressing: The Fine Art of Being a Well-Dressed Wife,” which will be reissued on Monday by the Glitterati, Inc. press. Ms. Feitelberg signs copies and re-examines the advice dress designer Fogarty dispensed to American women in the late 1950s. Such tips included the benefit of maintaining an 18-inch waist and limiting women’s financial independence. Fogarty’s now-staid dispatches were witty and captured the sensibility of the era. The editor puts things into context and shares some details about Fogarty’s life. Tonight, 6 p.m., the Museum at FIT, Seventh Avenue at 27th Street, 212-217-4585, free.

DANCES WITH WOLVES An assistant professor of dance at Barnard College, Paul Scolieri, gives a lunchtime talk titled “Choreographing Women’s History: Aztec Ritual Dance.” Mr. Scolieri explores the idea that dance can uniquely express the feminine experience. He uses the interpretations of the ritual dances of ancient Aztec women to make his case. Those works addressed gender and sexuality, death, and even colonial conditions. The lecture is presented by the college’s Barnard Center for Research on Women. Today, noon, Barnard College, 101 Barnard Hall, 3009 Broadway at 116th Street, 212-854-2067, free.

PHOTOGRAPHY

ODE TO THE ORDINARY Danielle Epstein’s photographs are of ordinary objects — doors, armoires, pillows, and tables — but her perspective often creates what appears to be an abstract landscape. A row of stones set on a wooden table, for instance, evokes everything from truffles to a beach-side scene. Ms. Epstein is also given to photographing her subjects multiple times, inadvertently creating compelling “series.” Highlights from the exhibit include “Lemon Table” (2007), two halves of which are above, and “Two Knobs” (2007), left. Through Sunday, Wednesday–Sunday, noon–7 p.m., Robin Rice Gallery, 325 W. 11th St., between Washington and Greenwich streets, 212-366-6660, free.

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