Union County Date Night: Kid-Free, Grown-Up Fun

You survived the Harry Potter onslaught and you got the kids safely tucked away at the Captain America premiere. So we've done the legwork and have helped you find a variety of events that will help keep you occupied for the weekend — and beyond.

The Borgata, Atlantic City

THIS WEEKEND Funky, fabulous Borgata nightclub mur.mur will feature performances by world-class DJs Eli Escobar (tonight) and DJ Kiss and Rashida (Saturday).

NEXT WEEK Alt-folk-rockers The Decemberists will perform Friday, July 29. Steely Dan bring their tight jazzy-bluesy tunes (and arcane lyrical references) Saturday, July 30.

BOOK IT NOW Stone Temple Pilots deliver their version of rock 'n roll on Saturday, Aug. 6.; Jay Leno will bring his brand of comedy on Friday, Aug. 26 Check out theborgata.com for details about these and other shows.

Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown

THIS WEEKEND No shows this weekend.

NEXT WEEK Remember the original "gonzo" rocker, Ted Nugent, who brought us the often-imitated-but-never-duplicated "Cat Scratch Fever"? He'll be turning the amps up to 11 and cranking out tunes for '70s revivalists/apologists. Tuesday.

BOOK IT NOW Queensryche will shake whatever loose plaster remains after the Nugent show. Wednesday, Aug. 3.;  Check out mayoarts.org for details about these and other shows.

NJPAC, Newark

THIS WEEKEND Kiss Me Kate, Cole Porter’s musical take on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, is presented by the New Jersey Youth Theatre. Tonight through Sunday.

NEXT WEEK On Wednesday, Mauricio de Souza & Bossa Brasil, Percussivo Mundo Novo, WEPA! and DJ Antonio Ocasio perform at NJPAC's Theater Square in the Summer Sounds series. The free show starts at 5 p.m.

BOOK IT NOW An evening of soulful, chart-topping R&B with KEM and special guest El DeBarge. Friday, August 12. Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard — better knowns as ZZ Top — bring their dusty Texas rock and impressive list of hits to NJPAC's Prudential Hall. Tuesday, Aug. 30.

Check out njpac.org for details about these and other shows.

PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel

THIS WEEKEND Tonight: Goo Goo Dolls, Michelle Branch and Parachute take turns rocking the crowd, 7 p.m.; Tomorrow: Miranda Cosgrove of iCarly fame, brings her autotuned pop to screaming thongs of teeny-boppers (and adults who consider it a guilty pleasure); 6 p.m. (hey, most of the crowd has curfews); Sunday: Dead Heads, reconvene: Furthur, the lastest Phil Lesh/Bob Weir collaboration brings its trippy sound to Holmdel. 7 p.m. (hey, these fans need to catch up on their sleep). 

NEXT WEEK Rappers Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Keri Hilson and Far East Movement, Tuesday, 7 p.m.; "Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival: Disturbed, Godsmack & Megadeath, 2:15 p.m., Wednesday; Weezer & The Flaming Lips, 7 p.m., Thursday; Tim McGraw, 7 p.m., Friday.

BOOK IT NOW Janet Jackson will deliver her mix of dance, pop and soul at 7 p.m., Saturday, August 6

 Check out centerholmdel.com/ for information.

The Prudential Center, Newark

THIS WEEKEND Nashville star Taylor Swift, continues her pop-twang show at The Rock Saturday and Sunday; all shows start at 7 p.m. 

NEXT WEEK New York Liberty v. Washington Mystics, 7 p..m., Thursday; Liberty v. Phoenix Mercury, 7 p.m., Saturday, July 30

BOOK IT NOW Josh Groban, the easy-listening hit-making machine will be bringing his smooth sounds to subrbanites flocking to the Rock; 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 2.

Check out centernewark.com for details about these and other shows.

South Orange Performing Arts Center

THIS WEEKEND No shows this weekend.

WEDNESDAYS IN THE PARK Throughout July, SOPAC is sponsoring free outdoor concerts at Flood's Hill in South Orange. Bring a blanket, something to eat and drink and settle in for an evening of music under the stars. The show Wednesday brings the South Orange International Blues Festival Revue, featuring singer, guitarist and songwriter Michael Hill and his Blues Mob. Hill's bandmates include Orange native, bassist Mike Griot; guest performers Carl Burnett, Al Gold, John Fritz and Shari Pine ensures the night will be full of soulful grooves and modern blues.

BOOK IT NOW SOPAC is hosting a red-carpet extravaganza, hosted by Natural Life Entertainment, a black-tie masquerade affair that will feature great sounds and laughter from some of the hottest and funniest comedians. A buffet & cocktails will be served. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Autism Society. Saturday, Aug. 6.

 Go to sopacnow.org for more details about all shows.

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Madison

THIS WEEKEND On the Theatre's outdoor Greek Amphitheater at the College of St. Elizabeth, the exuberant A Midsummer Night's Dream will be performed through Aug. 1. Running through Sunday, July 24, Director Brian B. Crowe is staging an inventive take on Timon of Athens, one of Shakespeare’s least-produced plays.

BOOK IT NOW Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Dario Fo's play translated by Ed Emmery and directed by Paul Mullins. This irreverent political farce, inspired by a real-life event involving a man who "fell" from the window of a police station, is an outrageously sly and caustic comedy filled with physical and linguistic acrobatics. Aug. 3-28.

 Click on shakespearenj.org for details.

Shanghai Jazz, Madison

THIS WEEKEND Virtuoso Saxophonist Javon Jackson brings his self-titled quartet. Tonight and Saturday, shows at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

NEXT WEEK: John Pizzarelli Trio performs in a special event. Full-course dinner (Trio of Appetizers, Choice of Entrees, Dessert Sampler) and Pizzarelli Show: $79/person. Drinks, tax and gratuity not included. All seats by reservation only. Tel. 973.822.2899

For all shows, check for times and other details on shanghaijazz.com.

State Theatre, New Brunswick

THIS WEEKEND On Saturday, "Jersey Beatles Bash V," featuring Glenn Burtnik and Friends, will be performing the Beatle's Revolver album (remember those in the pre-CD days).

BOOK IT NOW Allison Krauss and Union Station, featuring Jerry Douglass, bring their country and bluegrass style. Wednesday, Aug. 3; Larry The Cable Guy brings his ripped flannel shirt and redneck humor. Saturday, Aug. 27

Check out statetheatrenj.org for more details. 

Stress Factory Comedy Club, New Brunswick

THIS WEEKEND Tonight and tomorrow, Baron Vaughn, whom you'll recognize from Fairly Legal, The Awkward Comedy Show, Jimmy Fallon, Live at the Gotham, VH1

NEXT WEEK Craig Shoemaker, seen on The Love Master and Chelsea Lately

BOOK IT NOW "Nick Cannon's Fresh Faces Comedy Showcase" Mr. Mariah Carey is happy to get out of the house now that their twins have arrived, so he'll be there to emcee this forum for new talent. Thursday, Aug. 4 

Check out stressfactory.com for more details. 

Wellmont Theatre, Montclair

BOOK IT NOW: A double-bill featuring '80s/'90s hitmakers, INXS and Berlin will perform their hits and other songs you might know. Wednesday, Aug. 3. 

Check out wellmonttheatre.com for more shows.  

ON THE BIG SCREEN:

CRANFORD:

Renee Fleming Live with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (PG), 7 pm; Friends With Benefits (R), 1:40, 3:40, 5:40, 7:40,9:40; Beginners (R); 1, 3:05, 5:10,7:25, 9:45; The Trip (NR), 1:20,2:30, 5:40, 7:40, 9:50; Midnight in Paris (PG-13), 1:10, 3:15, 5:15, 7:35, 9:30; Bridesmaids (R) 1:50, 4:10,7:30, 9:55; Queen to Play (NR),4:30pm; Bill Cunningham New York (PG), 2:30pm

http://www.fandango.com/cranfordtheatre_aabty/theaterpage

MOUNTAINSIDE:  

Captain America: The First Avenger 3D (PG); 10:45am, 1:45,5:15, 8:15,11:15; Friends with Benefits (R); 11:20am, 2, 4:40,7:30, 10:15; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, (PG-13, No Passes); 10:30am, 1:30, 4:45,6, 8, 9, 11, midnight; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2: 3D (PG-13, No Passes); 2:15 pm, 5:30, 8:30, 11:30; Winnie the Pooh new! (G), 10 am, 12:15 pm, 2:45, 5,  7; Horrible Bosses (R); 10:30 am, 12:55, 3:15, 6:15, 8:45, 11:15 am; Zookeeper (PG); 11am, 1:45, 4:20, 7:05, 9:45, 12:15 am; Transformers: Dark of the Moon 3D (PG-13); 10 am, 1:25, 4:50, 8:15, 11:40; Bad Teacher (R); 9, 11:45; Cars 2 (G); 10:15am, 4:15, 12:45, 3:30

http://www.fandango.com/amcloewsmountainside10_aaaug/theaterpage

SUMMIT

The First Avenger (PG); 12:30, 3:30, 6:15, 9; Captain America: The First Avenger 3D (PG); 1:30, 4:30, 7:15, 10; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (PG-13); 1, 4, 7, 9:50; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2: 3D (PG-13); noon, 3, 6, 8:50; Cars 2 3D (G); 12:15, 2:30, 5, 7:30, 10 

http://www.fandango.com/clearviewbeaconhill5_aahjq/theaterpage