Weekend things to do: Gloria Gaynor, Dane Cook, Let's Sing Taylor, Bergen County Players

We've got a couple of sunny, milder days on deck this weekend, so if you're looking to go outdoors, grab a jacket and enjoy guided tours of the Great Falls in Paterson or Beaver Ponds in West Milford; or get into the basketball madness throughout downtown at the Newark Fan Fest; check out environmental presentations and bird walks at the Meadowlands; or discover dinosaur tracks at the Essex Environmental Center.

Music is everywhere in North Jersey, with Gloria Gaynor at BergenPAC, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy in Newton, Let's Sing Taylor at the Wellmont, Celtic music in Teaneck, a Beatles tribute in Madison, the Doo Wop Project in Little Falls, Wind Up Monkey in Ramsey and Hanover, and Dizaster Horse in Hopatcong.

For live theater productions (musical and non-musical), you can see "Take the Lead" in Millburn, "Things My Mother Taught Me" in Oradell, "The Normal Heart" in Leonia and "Nora: A Doll's House" in Paramus. Art exhibits in the area include "Visions by 5 Artists" in Clifton and Layo Bright in Montclair. Have a laugh with Dane Cook at NJPAC or improv comedy in Montclair. And, experience real-life storytelling at StorySlam in Montclair and "TransCending Stories” in Parsippany.

Plus, there's a magic show for sports fans in Hackensack, a screening of short films from 1987 in Rutherford, the Dream Asia Food Fest at American Dream, a beefsteak fundraiser event in Allendale and a craft show in Paramus.

It's all here in North Jersey this weekend, so see below for the details and the weather forecast.

Weather forecast for March 27 through March 30

According to the National Weather Service:

• Thursday night: Partly cloudy with a low in the upper 30s.
• Friday: Partly sunny with a high in the upper 50s. Mostly cloudy at night with a slight chance of overnight rain and a low in the mid-40s.
• Saturday: Partly sunny with a high in the mid-50s and a slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy at night, with a low in the low 40s.
• Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a chance of rain all day. High in the mid-50s, low in the mid-40s.

Clifton Arts Center presents 'Visions by 5 Artists'

This exhibit will be on display through April 26. The works of Mike Bertelli, Robyn Burns, Loretta D’Agnolo, Gloria Marino, Richard Toglia and Michael Zaccheo represent a range of styles from realistic depictions to abstract interpretations, often drawing inspiration from the natural world. Visitors can expect to see a mix of watercolor, acrylics, markers and oil paintings. To celebrate the opening of the exhibit, the public is invited to a Meet & Greet reception on Saturday. This is an opportunity to meet the artists and learn about their creative processes.

Go: "Visions by 5 Artists" at the Clifton Arts Center in the Municipal Complex. 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. $3 suggested admission. 973-472-5499, cliftonartscenter.org.

Layo Bright exhibit and presentation in Montclair

The "Invasive Blooms" exhibit is on view until May 5 in the Kasser Theater Lobby at Montclair State University. Through sculpture, Layo Bright delves into themes of time, feminism, migration and the African diaspora. Her practice employs blown, fused and cast glass processes, along with mixed media, such as textiles, wood and ceramics, to engage ideas about individual and community identity. This exhibition features recent and new works, including the debut of an hourglass sculpture that marks the passage of time and Bloom portraits created in collaboration with the MSU community. These portraits incorporate casts of faces of students, faculty and staff, accompanied by their migration stories and reflections on identity, traditions, beliefs and empowerment.

Bright will share the process of creating her new Bloom portraits at "All Femme Everything: A Celebration of Womanhood, Sisterhood, and Femininity," an event on Thursday hosted by the Office for Social Justice & Diversity as part of Women’s History Month programming. This year’s theme, designated by the National Women’s History Month Alliance, is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.”

Born in 1991 in Lagos, Nigeria, Bright lives and works in Brooklyn. She received a law degree from Babcock University in 2014 and an MFA from the Parsons School of Design in 2018. She has exhibited her work in Connecticut, Washington, Baltimore, New York City and Long Island.

Go: "Invasive Blooms" exhibit at in the Kasser Theater Lobby at Montclair State University, 1 Normal Ave., noon to 6 p.m. weekdays, and noon until showtime on performance days. "All Femme Everything: A Celebration of Womanhood, Sisterhood, and Femininity," 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at Presentation Hall in the School of Communication and Media. montclair.edu

Walking tour of Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

Free ranger-guided walking tours of the park have returned for the spring. Wednesdays through Sundays until June 14, these afternoon tours will start near the statue of Alexander Hamilton. The story of Paterson and its Great Falls demonstrates how the natural and cultural diversity of the area helped fuel the economic and social growth of a young nation. Discover how the natural world inspired a founding father, entrepreneurs, immigrants, poets and artists to build the nation's first industrial city. From the formation of the falls to the modern era, connect with the places, products and people. Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing/shoes. The walk will be on along paved and unpaved paths with uneven footing. Guided tours led by the National Park Service or its designees can follow paved, wheelchair-accessible routes (assistance may be required, especially along narrow city sidewalks).

Go: Ranger guided walking tours of Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, 72 McBride Ave. Extension. 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Free. nps.gov.

'Robot Carnival' (1987) screening in Rutherford

This 90-minute collection of nine short films by different directors, each about robots, will have two showings at the Williams Center on Thursday.

Go: "Robot Carnival" at Cinema Underground, Williams Center, 15 Sylvan St., Rutherford. 6 and 8 p.m. Thursday. $12; $10 for senior citizens (age 65 and up). williamscenter.co

Gloria Gaynor at BergenPAC in Englewood

At 81, Gaynor’s career spans more than 50 years, with hit singles, as well as roles in film, television and on Broadway. A feature documentary film, “Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive,” debuted at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival and follows her life and career, and dives deep into the past 10 years during which she wrote, recorded and self-funded her first gospel album, “Testimony,” which won the 2020 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. Recent performances include the Joy Awards (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Le Bal de la Rose (Monte Carlo, Monaco), the Cannes Film Festival (France) and Rock in Rio Festival (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), and she will come to BergenPAC on Thursday.

Go: Gloria Gaynor at Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood. 7 p.m. Thursday. $59 to $129. bergenpac.org

StorySlam in Montclair

Montclair Film’s StorySlam returns with each storyteller given a few minutes to relay their unique versions of the theme, "Striking Gold" - stories about what came at the end of the rainbow- whether it was the hard-earned outcome of a long tedious endeavor or something great landing in the palm of their hands out of pure luck. When did they strike gold, and what did they do with it?

Go: StorySlam at Cinema 505, 505 Bloomfield Ave. $15; $11 for members. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. montclairfilm.org

Newark Fan Fest

Newark Alliance, Invest Newark and the City of Newark’s Arts and Education District have launched Newark Fan Fest, a mobile passport for the estimated 19,000 visitors traveling to Downtown Newark during the NCAA Men's Tournament at Prudential Center this weekend. The mobile pass will be accessible to visitors and residents through the QR code on a map/mini-guide available at hotels, businesses and online. The pass will provide details of special events, watch parties, local business and attractions, and exclusive deals and promotions. Additionally, the mobile pass allows the holder to enter a punch-card game with prizes corresponding to the number of events and businesses attended.

More than 25 businesses in Downtown Newark are participating, including Bunkr., Tinjune Sports Lounge, Just Fish Bar & Grill, Bar Vanquish, The Executive Leaf Cigar Lounge, The Atelier and the Vault Lounge. Newark’s prolific arts scene is accessible for visitors by way of Newark Grounds, a walkable cultural corridor featuring more than 75 consecutive public artworks and dedicated arts and culture spaces.

Home Court Marketplace, a vendor and food truck market at Mulberry Commons, produced by the Newark City Parks Foundation, will showcase more of the city’s offerings and Newark-themed merchandise produced by local makers. Tourism ambassadors, led by local tour company Have You Met Newark Tours, will be visible on the streets in the district guiding visitors, sharing recommendations and offering group walking tours.

Go: Newark Fan Fest. Friday through Sunday. Visit newarkartsandeducation.com to obtain a pass.

Dream Asia Food Fest at American Dream

The flavors and cultures of Asia come to East Rutherford on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with more than 90 food vendors showcasing the cuisines of East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Central Asia, as well as Asian fusion dishes. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available. Anime NYC will present special anime-themed merchants, and there will be cultural activities and a festival that celebrates the diversity of Asian traditions. Live performances will include K-pop performances, lion dances and a lantern parade.

Go: Dream Asia Food Fest at American Dream, East Rutherford. Noon and 6 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday. $12 general admission; $45 VIP (includes unlimited re-entry and exclusive areas). Additional fees will apply. dreamasiafest.com

'TransCending Stories' in Parsippany

Pride Center of Montclair, in partnership with End Discrimination Gain Equality New Jersey, will hold a celebration of trans literary voices, “TRANScending Stories - Celebrating the Works of Trans Authors,” on Friday, bringing together trans and nonbinary authors for a literary event coinciding with International Transgender Day of Visibility. The event will feature readings and talks from trans and non-binary authors, conversations with the creators behind the stories, panel discussions on literary activism and resistance, resources for defending trans rights and community dialogue on preserving trans history.

Go: "TransCending Stories - Celebrating the Works of Trans Authors" at 35 Waterview Blvd., Parsippany. 5 to 9 p.m. Friday. Free admission. Visit zeffy.com to register. montclairpridecenter.org, edgenj.org

Wind Up Monkey performs in Hanover and Ramsey

This New Jersey cover band - Mike Pepe (drums, backing vocals), Peter Riario (lead vocals), Frank Flamio (bass, backing vocals) and Larry Nimmo (guitar, backing vocals) - will play at Double Tap Brewing on Friday and the Shannon Rose on Saturday.

Go: Wind Up Monkey at Double Tap Brewing, 50 Parsippany Road, Hanover, 7 p.m. Friday; and the Shannon Rose, 1200 State Route 17, Ramsey, 9 p.m. Saturday. windupmonkeyband.com

Bergenstages presents 'Nora: A Doll's House' in Paramus

The Bergenstages theatre troupe will perform “Nora: A Doll’s House,” by Stef Smith, a reimagination of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House,” at Bergen Community College on select Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in March and April, coinciding with Women’s History Month.

First performed in 1879, "A Doll’s House" challenged gender norms. Directed by Bergen theatre professor Leigh Jonaitis, Bergenstages will perform Smith’s version, which sets the story in 1925, 1975 and 2025. In each time period, main character Nora carries a secret that threatens to upend her seemingly perfect existence.

Go: "Nora: A Doll's House" at the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre, Bergen Community College, 400 Paramus Road. 7:30 p.m. Friday, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $18; $12 for seniors (age 65+); $5 for all students. tickets.bergen.edu, 201-447-7428.

Bergen County Players - 'Things My Mother Taught Me' in Oradell

Love, laughter and a few moving boxes set the stage for this comedy by Katherine DiSavino at the Little Firehouse Theater, weekends through April 5. A Questions & Artists talkback session will be held after this Friday's show.

Directed by Terri Caust of Glen Rock, the play explores the joys and stresses of a young couple moving in together for the first time, followed by inevitable mishaps and the advice that only moms and dads can provide. Olivia and Gabe drive halfway across the country to begin their new life in Chicago. Excited (and naïve), they think they are prepared for this adventure — but an oversized chair and the sudden arrival of both sets of parents toss more than a few wrenches into their best laid plans. What follows is a series of mounting misfortunes, familial misunderstandings and plans gone awry, all wrapped up in heartfelt moments among an extended family that really does care.

The cast includes Angelina Aragona of Washington Township as Olivia and Juston LeBaron of New York City as Gabe; as well as Leslie Darcy of Oakland, Jody Laufer of Hawthorne, Rachel Alt of Ridgefield and Chris Caira of Leonia as the parents; and Jenna Stewart of River Vale as the building super.

Go: "Things My Mother Taught Me" at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. $26 to $28. Advance discount tickets for students aged 25 and under with valid ID are available for $19 by phone or in person. Rush tickets for students aged 25 and under are available for $10 (cash only) at the box office window, starting 30 minutes before showtime. bcplayers.org

Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience in Montclair

This tribute to the music of Taylor Swift includes faithful and lively covers of her expansive catalog. Calling all Swifties - sing your hearts out and sport your Taylor-inspired attire.

Go: Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience at the Wellmont Theater, 5 Seymour St., Montclair. 6:30 p.m. Saturday; doors open at 5:30. $29.50 to $119. wellmonttheater.com

'Take the Lead' - a new musical in Millburn

Set in the pulsating heart of New York City, this new musical based on the 2006 dance film is the true story of Pierre Dulaine, a former professional dancer who, against all odds, brought the art of ballroom dance into New York City public schools. This world-premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse spotlights a fusion of ballroom and hip-hop in its music and choreography, with a book by Robert Cary and Jonathan Tolins ("Schmigadoon!"), score by Elliah Heifetz and Zeniba Now, the show is directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli (Newsies), with co-choreography by Jennifer Weber and Maria Torres.

Go: "Take the Lead" at Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn. 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday. $50 to $168. my.papermill.org

Players Guild of Leonia present 'The Normal Heart'

Directed by Claudia MacDermott, this play by Larry Kramer is set in New York in the early 1980s, focusing on the serious and devastating subject of AIDS. The play runs through April 6. All who attend the Saturday show are welcome to participate in a talkback/Q-and-A with a special guest from Gay Men's Health Crisis following the performance

Go: "The Normal Heart" at the Civil War Drill Hall Theater, 130 Grand Ave. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. leoniaplayers.org.

Montclair Improv Comedy

On Friday, Cinema 505 hosts an evening of original long form and short form improv comedy from veterans of improv theaters in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles - such as iO, Annoyance Theatre, Second City, The Groundlings, iO West, Upright Citizens Brigade, the Magnet and the PIT. At this monthly performance presented by Montclair Film Festival, it is never the same show twice.

Go: Montclair Improv Comedy at Cinema 505, 505 Bloomfield Ave. $15; $11 for members. 8 p.m. Friday; doors open at 7:30. Alcoholic beverages and concessions will be available for purchase. montclairfilm.org

Marsh Madness at the Meadowlands Environment Center in Lyndhurst

The fight against climate change takes center stage at “Marsh Madness: NJ Students Spring into Climate Change Action” on Saturday. The program is the culminating event for the state grant awarded to Ramapo College for student climate change education in the 2024-2025 school year. The grant funded professional development workshops for teachers provided by the Meadowlands Environment Center, the New Jersey School of Conservation and the Great Swamp Watershed Association to 90 school districts and charter schools.

The event will feature students and teachers presenting their projects. In addition, MEC educators will lead hands-on activities such as “Build an Erosion Resistant Sand Castle” and “Measure the Impact of Sea Level Rise.” Bergen County Audubon Society bird walks will introduce visitors to the abundant avian species that call the Meadowlands home.

Go: Marsh Madness at Meadowlands Environment Center, 2 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst. 9:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Saturday. climatecollaborative.ramapo.edu

Beaver Ponds guided tour in West Milford

This is an easy spring hike of three miles or less, with minimal occurrences of gradual slopes. With all hikes, expect rocky and uneven terrain. Come prepared with sufficient water and nutrition - at least 0.5 liters of water per hour and snacks (energy bars, nuts, trail mix) providing 200 to 300 calories per hour. Wear high-traction, sturdy and comfortable footwear. While sneakers or work boots can suffice, hiking boots, hiking shoes or trail runners are recommended. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Avoid cotton, as when it gets wet, it stays wet and can lead to hypothermia when it’s cold. Instead, opt for moisture-wicking fabrics like spandex and polyester as base layers and consider wool or fleece for a warm mid-layer.

Go: Beaver Ponds guided tour at Highlands Preserve, 22 Warwick Turnpike, West Milford. Meet at the ballfields parking lot. 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. passaiccountynj.org

Family Dinosaur Discovery Field Trip in Roseland

At this event hosted by the Essex County Environmental Center, families with young children ages 4 and older can explore a National Historic Landmark that is home to three-toed Grallator dinosaur tracks from the late Triassic age. Hike about a mile total, starting at the end of Locust Avenue. Using clay, make and take an impression of an existing track and leave the site undisturbed for future paleontological study.

Go: Family Dinosaur Discovery Field Trip, beginning at Locust Avenue in Roseland. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. $12 children; $15 adults. Advance registration and payment is required in person, by mail or at my.hornblower.com. 973-268-3500, essexcountyparks.org

Allendale Volunteer Ambulance Corps fundraiser event

AVAC's fundraising event on Saturday evening will include a scavenger hunt, beefsteak, DJ, dancing, tricky tray and super 50/50.

Go: AVAC fundraiser, Guardian Angel Church, 320 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday. $75. allendaleambulance.org

The Game Changing Magic Tour: A Magic Show For Sports Fans at HacPAC

Providing a night of fun for both sports fans and magic fans on Saturday in Hackensack, Jake Schwartz combines the pageantry and camaraderie of game day with hilarious magic. He has performed off-Broadway, on more than 65 TV appearances on networks such as Fox, NBC, CBS and ESPN, and done three world tours as the magician for the Savannah Bananas. Recommend for ages 12 and up, although the show is not vulgar or explicit.

Go: "The Game Changing Magic Tour: A Magic Show for Sports Fans" at Hackensack Performing Arts Center, 102 State St. 7 p.m. Saturday. $29.99 to $49.99. hacpac.org

Dizaster Horse performs in Hopatcong​

Several years ago, a lead singer and drummer met, fell in love, married, and one of the products of their love was Dizaster Horse. Since then, in addition to Debbie Wheelan (lead vocals) and Tom Wheelan (drums), the band has grown to include ​Steve Mendelson (guitar), Dan Kohansby (bass guitar, vocals) and Emile Hsu (guitar, keyboard, vocals). The North Jersey based group will present five decades of rock and roll, from Steely Dan through Ghost, at the Beacon in Lake Hopatcong.

​Go: Dizaster Horse at the Beacon on Lake Hopatcong, 453 River Styx Road, Hopatcong. 8 p.m. Saturday. dizasterhorse.com, thebeaconlh.com.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at the Newton Theatre

Since its formation in the early '90s in Ventura, California, the band has toured extensively, and has produced a catalog of recorded music with sales of more than two million albums to date. Co-founded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, the band was part of the swing revival of the time, blending a fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing and Dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture.

Go: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at the Newton Theatre, 234 Spring St. 8 p.m. Saturday; doors at 7 p.m. $39 to $59, additional fees may apply. skypac.org

Spring Craft Show at Paramus High School

Find unique arts, crafts and photography from 140 exhibitors participating from three states at this event on Sunday, sponsored by Project Graduation and organized by P.J.’s Promotions. The show is now expanded to two gyms, the vestibule and café. Shoppers can browse booths filled with apparel, florals, resin and diamond art, hand crafted jewelry, table runners and pillows, hand-knitted hats and scarves, crochet animals, children and doll clothing, soft sculpture, country crafts, hand painted flowerpots, glassware and gourds, porch and door signs, jeweled utensils, art, heat packs, and tie dye. Also, wood bowls, charcuterie boards, birdhouses, bonsai, origami, soaps, candles, stained glass, sports clocks, spring florals and so much more. Homemade pickles and kettle korn will be set up outside. A breakfast and lunch menu are available in the café.

Go: Spring Craft Show at Paramus High School, 99 E. Century Road. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. $3 admission. pjspromotions.com

The Doo Wop Project in Little Falls

The Doo Wop Project will be at Passaic Valley High School on Sunday afternoon, featuring Class of 2011 Passaic Valley grad Jess LeProtto who recently starred as Frankie Valli in the Rev Theatre's production of "Jersey Boys." This is a fundraiser for Passaic Valley Drama Club and the Passaic Valley Education Foundation.

The five Broadway stars from shows like "A Bronx Tale," "Beautiful", "Motown: The Musical" and "Jersey Boys" - along with their band - will present a show with a new setlist featuring renditions of classic Doo Wop hits (“Sixteen Candles” and “In the Still of the Night”) as well as “doowopified” versions of hits like Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.” Numbers like “Remember Then” and “That’s My Desire” will still be in the show, as well.

Go: The Doo Wop Project at Passaic Valley High School, 160 E. Main St., Little Falls. 3 p.m. Sunday; doors open at 2:30. All seats reserved. cur8.com/1550/project/128881 for tickets. No tickets will be sold at the door. For handicapped accessible parking/entrance, call 973-890-2522.

Carol Crittenden & Maria Banks: Celtic Song & Spirit in Teaneck

Vocalist Crittenden and harpist Banks will take the audience on a journey into the traditional and eclectic music and spirit of Ireland and Scotland. They will perform Celtic songs with universal themes and a rich history at the Puffin Cultural Forum on Sunday.

In addition to her original music, Crittenden has recorded and toured as the lead singer of Four Celtic Voices (whose album debuted at number one on the Billboard World Music Chart). A professional actress and musical theatre performer, she has worked with the New Vic Theatre of London, and performed in regional U.S. tours and productions in New York City and Los Angeles.

Banks has performed with Rochester Philharmonic and West Australia Symphony Orchestra, and has worked with Brian May, Kanye West, Josh Groban, Sarah Brightman and Johnny Mathis. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, Casals Hall in Tokyo, Fenway Park, the Mann Center in Philadelphia and Birdland.

Go: Celtic Song & Spirit at the Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck. 4 p.m. Sunday. $10 suggested donation. RSVP at puffinculturalforum.org or by calling 201-836-3499 (by 5 p.m. Thursday). Those who cannot pay the suggested donation can call or write to aortega@puffinfoundation.org to request free reservations.

Re-Live the Beatles in Madison

Come together for a journey through the Fab Four’s career on Sunday afternoon at Drew University. This is more than just a concert — it's a trip down memory lane, celebrating the music of the Beatles and the historic moments like "The Ed Sullivan Show," Shea Stadium, the "Sgt. Pepper" era and "Abbey Road." Enjoy hits like "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "Come Together" as Re-Live the Beatles delivers a performance with costume changes and a multimedia backdrop, transporting you back to the '60s.

Go: Re-Live the Beatles at the Concert Hall at Drew University, 36 Madison Ave. 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday. $35 to $50. simpletix.com

Dane Cook at NJPAC

After standup specials including "Vicious Circle," "Isolated Incident," "Harmful if Swallowed," "Retaliation," "Tourgasm," "Rough Around the Edges: Live from Madison Square Garden" and 2022’s "Above It All," Cook comes to Newark with new jokes, new stories and his trademark energy.

Go: Dane Cook at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark. 7 p.m. Sunday. $49 to $89. njpac.org