Options this week include performances by divas like Darlene Love and Patti LaBelle, a Tony-Award winning romance and a family-friendly comedy from Ireland.
'tis the season for Love
Darlene Love, that is. The legendary singer -- whose enjoyed hit records as a member of The Crystals, a soloist and a backing artist -- stops at the Bergen Performing Arts Center Feb. 11. Come hear some of the hits that earned Love a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, including, "He's a Rebel," "Today I met the Boy I'm Gonna Marry," and "Then He Kissed Me." She's 75 and long may she reign.
$29-69, Feb. 11, 8 p.m., Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood. 201-227-1030.
For a 'LaBelle' valentine
Even after 50 years of performing, Patti Labelle still has one of the strongest voices in the business. The so-called Godmother of Soul -- who also sings a mean pop song, spiritual or R & B classic -- takes the stage at NJPAC's Prudential Hall Feb. 12. An evening with LaBelle is always special and her oeuvre -- including "If You Asked Me To" and "Somebody Loves You, Baby" -- makes for a special Valentine's Day date.
Patti LaBelle, $59-149, Feb. 12, 7 p.m. NJPAC's Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. 800-GO-NJPAC.
The unconventional romance of 'Once'
And speaking of Valentine's Day, the Tony Award winning musical "Once" is a fairy tale of a different sort, with the standard guy and girl who change each other lives for the better -- just not in ways you may expect. This show about the power of music to connect is romantic in its own unique way. It comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center for two shows Feb. 12. The afternoon show is sold out.
$49 - $89, Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m. Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown. 973-539-8008.
An uplifting story the whole family can enjoy
The all ages-friend "The Bockety World of Henry and Bucket," at State Theatre of New Jersey for two shows Feb. 11 introduces two best friends who don't have much except each other. The show, from Ireland's Barnstorm Theatre, explores the powers of imagination and friendship. These are "relaxed performances," which are specifically designed to create a welcome environment for those on the autism spectrum or other sensory sensitivities.
$18, Feb. 11, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick. 732-246-7469.
Celebrate diverse world music with Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars
This group was born in a West African refugee camp in 1997, when a musical couple fleeing violence in their native Sierra Leone partnered with others to entertain their fellow refugees. Their music helped lift them from the camp and have uplifted millions of fans since then. Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars take the stage at South Orange Performing Arts Center Feb. 15. A Q & A will take place after the performance.
$30-35, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 973-313-2787.
Natalie Pompilio is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia. She can be reached at nataliepompilio@yahoo.com. Find her on Twitter @nataliepompilio. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.