Jamaica Night

Sunday: Reggae legend Marcia Griffiths headlines this celebration of the vibrant art and culture of Jamaica. But the former Bob Marley backup singer, who will perform and be interviewed onstage, is not the only highlight of this evening of music and dance. The National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica, founded in 1962 by Rex Nettleford and Eddy Thomas — Jamaica's equivalents to Alvin Ailey and George Balanchine — will also perform. Nettleford's signature works include "Kumina," about African spirituality, and "Spirits at a Gathering." The event promises an evening of warmth as autumn comes into the northern latitudes. (7:30 p.m. Sun., Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. $29.99-$39.99. 612-206-3600, cowlescenter.org.)

Rohan Preston

MINNESOTA DANCE THEATRE

Opens Friday: Talent seems to run in the Houlton family, where a third generation of choreographers has emerged. Elizabeth Houlton, granddaughter of MDT founder Loyce Houlton and niece to current artistic director Lise Houlton, makes her return to the troupe after completing her BFA at CalArts. An alum of the MDT School, Houlton sets her work "Close Quarters in a Large World" on the company, after previous renditions were seen at CalArts and at the Cowles Center as part of MDT's "Strawberry Festival: A Student Showcase." The company's fall season features a world premiere by Helen Hatch called "Traces" as well as a remix of the pas de dix from the third act of "Raymonda" and a closer look at Jose Limon's "The Moor's Pavane." (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Oct. 18, the Lab Theater, 700 N. 1st St., Mpls., $25-$35, 612-333-7977, ­thelabtheater.org.)

SHEILA REGAN

RHYTHMIC CIRCUS

Friday: It's been quite a journey for the troupe of rhythmic dancers and musicians that got together about eight years ago and decided to put together a show. From its humble beginnings, Rhythmic Circus has taken "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" all over the world, earning accolades and awards along the way. The company's tap dancers, brass band musicians and beat boxer Alex Rossi (Heatbox) bring their infectious energy to the O'Shaughnessy for an audience pleaser that blends hip-hop, funk, rock and blues with percussive dance. (7:30 p.m. Fri., St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Av., St. Paul, $22-$35, 651-690-6700, oshag.stkate.edu.)S.R.