Planet Weekend Picks, Feb. 17-19

The Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir performs Saturday night at McCarter.

Friday, February 17

Reception for Author Carlos Eire, Arts Council of Princeton – Eire,  a professor of history and religious studies at Yale University and the author of “Learning to Die in Miami”, “Waiting for Snow in Havana”, and “A Very Brief History of Eternity” will discuss his life as an “Operation Pedro Pan” kid. Joe Seldner and Mario Gonzalez will also talk about a new feature film based on Eire’s life. 5:30 p.m., free.

Wine Tasting, CoolVines – Check out some whites at the Spring Street shop with Kelly Gottlieb from Domaine Select  from 5-7 p.m.

Einstein Alley’s Musical Collective Jam and Party – Celebrate and enjoy some music at the Arts Council of Princeton, 6 p.m., tickets $10.

Princeton Basketball – The Tigers face Columbia University at Jadwin Gym, 7 p.m., tickets $12.

Richard Thompson visits McCarter Theatre – The British folk rock singer songwriter in his annual solo acoustic concert, Matthews Theatre, 8 p.m., tickets $35-$45.

Marybeth D’Amico, Infini-T Cafe – Acoustic guitar folk music from D’Amico’s new album, “The Light Inside”.  Starts at 10 p.m., but we recommend getting there early if you want a seat at the cozy Hulfish Street cafe. Free.

Saturday, February 18

Emergency Management Community Forum,  Princeton Future – Discuss emergency management and what could be done to improve communications. Held in the community room at the Princeton Public Library, 9a.m.-noon, free.

Science on Saturday, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory – “Using Lasers to Control and Probe the Brain” presented by Adam Cohen, department of physics, Harvard University. Register on site beginning at 8:15 a.m. For students, parents, teachers, and community members. Photo ID required, Forrestal Campus, Route 1 North, Plainsboro, begins at 9:30 a.m., free.

Mr. Ray’s Family Concert, Princeton Public Library – Mr. Ray presents interactive concert with lively dance music, sure to be a hit with the little ones, 3 p.m., free.

Wine Tasting, CoolVines – Discover the beauty of pinot noir, 2- 5 p.m., free.

Sarah Donner’s Indie Music Night, Arts Council of Princeton – Donner shares the stage with Chuck Schaeffer, Angela Sheik, Mace  Gill Band and Rainbow Fresh. 7 p.m., $5.

Jane Monheit, McCarter Theatre – Jazz and contemporary vocalist visits Berlind Theater. Monheit’s latest album is “Home.” 7:30 p.m., tickets  $40-$48.

Soweto Gospel Choir, McCarter Theatre – See why people rave about the  award-winning vocal ensemble from South Africa. 8 p.m., Matthews Theatre, tickets $20-55.

Terrence McManus, Small World Coffee – Guitarist Terrence McManus is known for his unique improv. style. Catch him at the Witherspoon Street Small World location from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Free.

Sunday, February 19

Winter Farmers Market, Slow Food Central New Jersey – Eat slow and slow fiber food and artisan products and enjoy music by John Henry Goldman. Tre Piani Restaurant, Forrestal Village, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sunday Serenades Concert Series, Unitarian Universalist Congregation – “A Tale of Two Cities” with Amabile String Quartet featuring chamber music from London and Paris. 50 Cherry Hill Road, 3 p.m., tickets $15.

Spinner’s End, Princeton Public Library – Progressive rock band with Ali Andresini on vocals and ukulele and Ryan Yannalfo on keys and programming, 3 p.m. Free.

First Birthday Party, D’Angelo Italian Market – Celebrate the first anniversary of the Spring Street shop from 4-8 p.m. Ribbon cutting ceremony, refreshments.