Planet Princeton Weekend Picks, Feb. 21-23

 

Grammy-winning a cappella group Take 6 performs at McCarter Theatre Saturday.
Grammy-winning a cappella group Take 6 performs at McCarter Theatre Saturday.

Friday, February 21

Women’s NCAA National Squash Tournament – National tournament hosted by Princeton University. Princeton’s first match is at 2:30 p.m. against Yale in the Jadwin Gym, C floor. Other Princeton team weekend matches tba. Free.

Screening of “Chico & Rita” – This animated 2010 Spanish film is set in Havana and tells the story of two passionate individuals who battle impossible odds to unite in music and love. The film contains adult themes. 1 hour, 34 minutes. Part of the Princeton International Film Series. Princeton Public Library Community Room, 6:30 p.m., free.

Cabernet Cabaret at the Arts Council of Princeton – Concert with Sarah Donner, Rebecca Mullaney, Joanna Burns, and Jason Beckett. Tapas reception by Mediterra. $15 includes reception, concert, and one drink ticket. 7:30 p.m. reception, 8:30 p.m. showtime.

Krasnoyarsk National Dance Company of Siberia at the McCarter Theatre – Filled with energetic folk dancing and kaleidoscopically colorful costumes, this 55-member company bring the best of Russia here to Princeton. Tickets $20 and up.

Art Song Festival, Westminster Choir College – “American Song: A 20th Century Retrospective” presented by pianist J.J. Penna and Westminster Choir College students. Bristol Chapel, 8 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), admission $15.

“Rent” – The Princeton University Players perform the musical at the theater at Whitman College. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets $12.

Saturday, February 21

Kidgits Book Blast – Visit the Quaker Bridge Mall for crafts, book readings, and an appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog. Kidgits Members receive a special gift, just for attending. Storytelling by Denise McCormack will begin at 11 a.m. Become a Quaker Bridge Mall Kidgits member at the event for$5. Kidgits memberships are valid for one year from start date. Contact Guest Services for more details.

Jersey Jumpers Swing Dance – The Central Jersey Dance Society presents the Jersey Jumpers Swing Dance. Lesson at 7 p.m. Open swing dancing 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton. $12 admission, $8 for students with ID. Everyone welcome. No partner needed. Light refreshments included.

Princeton High School Band Dance – Shake off the winter blues with some great dance music from 7 to 10 pm at the Princeton High School Cafe. Join the award-winning Studio Band, Jazz Ensemble and Nassau Bands as they play music from the Big Band era to the present day. Adults $6, seniors and students $4.

Cafe Improv – Music, poetry, and comedy. This month Cafe Improv features a Beatles Jam celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles in America. 7 to 10 p.m. at the Arts Council of Princeton. For a list of performers visit www.cafeimprov.com.

Take 6 Performs at McCarter Theatre – Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the a cappella vocal group that has won 10 Grammy awards. 8 p.m. Tickets $20 and up.

“Composing in the Moment” with the The Princeton University Program in Jazz Studies – Annual faculty recital features original compositions written and performed by tenor and soprano saxophonist Ralph Bowen, guitarist Bruce Arnold, pianist Michael Cochrane, bassist Brian Glassman, drummer Vince Ector, and musical director Dr. Anthony D.J. Branker. This event is free and open to the public. Taplin Auditorium, Fine Hall, 8 p.m.

Sunday, February 23

Antiques Appraisal Day at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie – Bring one or two family heirlooms to learn more about them from antique experts. $10 fee for each item reviewed with a limit of two per person. No firearms. 1 to 4 p.m., Cadwalader Park in Trenton.

Family Barn Dance for All Ages – The Princeton Country Dancers present a family barn dance with square dances, contra dances, play party games and other traditional American dances. Live music is provided by the Mixed Age Dance Band. Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton,  4 to 6 p.m.,  $5 per person or $15 per family.

Fred Miller: Lecture in Song – Singer and pianist Fred Miller presents an anecdotal overview of American songwriter Frank Loesser, best known as the creator “Guys and Dolls.” Princeton Public Library Community Room, 4 p.m., free.

Peking Acrobats Perform at McCarter Theatre – Gymnasts, cyclists, jugglers, acrobats, and tumblers will be joined by Jigu Thunder Drums of China. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 and up.