WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE

Wednesday: This fall's Women of Substance series at the O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, presented in partnership with Northrop Concerts and Lectures, kicks off with an evening featuring the fiery Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca. This Spanish troupe, directed by Martín Santangelo and led by the Bessie award-winning Barrio, will premiere a new work, "Quebradas - Inspired by Rosa." Its themes are about the inner strength of women (particularly mothers) and the circles of challenges they face to achieve liberation. Expect authentic flamenco dancing and haunting live music from a company that has earned global acclaim. (7:30 p.m. Wed. $14-$31. The O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Av., St. Paul. 651-690-6700 or www.theoshaughnessy.com.)