Musical Happenings in New Jersey: Hugh Masakela, Pat Benetar and Much More!

World Music

Hugh Masakela inspires lovers of world music — and more ways to spend your weekend. By David Chmiel THIS WEEKEND: Friday — "Afropop Dance Party," From old-school grooves to today's hits, this dance party kicks off at 7:30 p.m. in the Chase Room; Saturday — Hugh Masakela, the South African singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist whom Rolling Stone calls "one of the most thrilling live performers around," 7:30 p.m. NEXT WEEK: Jugglers, cyclists, tumblers and other crowd-pleasing artists lead the Peking Acrobats into Prudential Hall, 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 2; Soweto Gospel Choir, 8 p.m, Saturday, March 3

Wellmont Theatre, Montclair: NEXT WEEK Longtime powerballadeers (and husband and wife) Pat Benatar & guitarist Neil Giraldo remind us that "Love is a Battlefield", 8 p.m., Thursday BOOK IT Singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson, Friday, March 2; Levon Helm Band, led by the iconic member of The Band, performs on a bill that also includes former J. Geils Band frontman Peter Wolf, Friday, April 6 (Show postponed from Feb. 10). Check out wellmonttheatre.com for more shows. The Ringside Pub, Caldwell NEXT WEEK: The Stiff Joints, a Livingston-based rock n roll band performs Saturday, March 3 at 9 p.m. South Orange Performing Arts Center, South Orange

BOOK IT NOW: Author and monologist Malachy McCourt performs "Living Life and Laughing at Death" at 8 p.m., Friday, March 9; Country singer/songwriter Pam Tillis performs at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 10. Go to sopacnow.org for more details about all shows. Kean University, Union THIS WEEKEND Friday —Sunday — The Odyssey, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wilkins Theater (also continues Friday and Saturday, March 2, 3) Sunday — The Beethoven Septet, 3 p.m., Kean Hall THIS WEEK No shows BOOK IT NOW George Winston, 3 p.m., Sunday, March 4; Ravi Coltrane, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 14; Kathy Mattea, 3 p.m., Sunday, May 6. Check out keanstage.com for details about these and other shows. Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown This Weekend: Tonight — The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday — New Jersey Ballet's Repertory Concert of Audience Favorites, 8 p.m.; Sunday — The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players: "I've Got a Little Twist", 3 p.m. NEXT WEEK: "Morristown's Got Talent" brings out the best in talented performers looking for their big break, 8 p.m. Wednesday BOOK IT NOW: Garden State Folk and Roots Festival, 3 p.m., Sunday, March 11; Women of Ireland, a celebration of traditional Irish music and stepdancing, 3 and 8 p.m., Saturday, March 17; Country gal Loretta Lynn graces the stage at 8 p.m., March 30. Check out mayoarts.org for details about these and other shows. The Borgata THIS WEEKEND: DJs take center stage this weekend: Tonight — Eli Escobar, 10 p.m., Mur.Mur; Saturday — DJ Ruckus, 10 p.m., Mur.Mur; Lil Jon, 10 p.m., Mixx; Sunday — "Mixx Sundays with Paul Castro," 10 p.m. NEXT WEEK: D-Nice with Hyper Crush gets the dance crowd going, 10 p.m. Monday at MurMur; Eli Escobar returns Friday, March 2, 10 p.m., Mur.Mur; Percussionist/DJ Ravi Drums performs at Mixx, with music by DJ Echo; 10 p.m., Saturday BOOK IT NOW: Legendary Irish rockers The Saw Doctors help you celebrate St. Patrick's Day, 9 p.m., Saturday, March 17, The Music Box; Liza Minelli brings her revue to the Event Center, 8 p.m., Saturday, March 24; Lewis Black rages about things large and small, 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, March 30 and 31, The Music Box; Kevin James takes a break from family-friendly films to perform his stand-up act, 8 p.m., April 7, Event Center, Check out theborgata.com for details about these and other shows. Shanghai Jazz, Madison THIS WEEKEND:Tonight and Saturday — Jazz legend Freddy Cole and his quartet come to Madison for two special performances. *Special per-person music charges and drink minimums in effect. NEXT WEEK: Guitarist John Zweig brings his trio to Shanghai Jazz Tuesday; The Evan Sherman Trio, featuring Curtis Lundy on bass, take the stage on Wednesday. BOOK IT NOW: Junior Mance, who performed with Dinah Washington and Dizzy Gillespie, performs with his eponymous trio, Saturday, March, 3; Guitar legend and stalwart Jersey guy Bucky Pizzarelli performs on Wednesday, March 7. All shows 6:30 and 8:30. Check out shanghaijazz.com for more details. State Theatre, New Brunswick THIS WEEK: Tonight — Duuuuuude! The Pink Floyd Experience begins at 8 p.m. (Blacklight not included); Saturday — New Jersey Symphony Orchestra performs "Spanish Inspiration," 8 p.m. NEXT WEEK: SmartTalk Connected Conversations: Donna Brazile, a longtime Democrative political strategist delivers "Inspiring Civility: Stirring the Pot in American Politics." 7:30 p.m., Tuesday BOOK IT NOW: Larry the Cable Guy delivers his red-neck ruminations at 8 p.m., Sat, March 10; The Irish Rovers spread their luscious harmonies with the season's traditional hits at 8 p.m., Sunday, March 11; HD screening of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's historic 2002 concert in Barcelona; 8 p.m., Friday, March 16 Check out statetheatrenj.org for more details. Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059