Poor in Peru Thank the New England Conservatory Opera cast and orchestra for warming things up with their production of Offenbach’s “La Perichole.’’ It’s 1950s Peru and two street singers are too poor to get married. The fun will be sung in French with English dialogue. Tonight at 8 (through Feb. 14). $20, $16 students and seniors. Cutler Majestic Theater, 219 Tremont St., Boston. 617-824-8000. www.necmusic.edu/la-perichole
Love potion For 27 years, local jazz vocalist Rebecca Parris has been serenading couples near Valentine’s Day (we were one of those couples 20-something years ago at the Regattabar). Tunes from the Great American Songbook and more will be backed by the Rebecca Parris Trio at “In Love With Parris.’’ 8 p.m. $18-$28. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 781-646-4849. www.regenttheatre.com
Genre a genre Dance teams from all over North America will compete for the title of Showdown Champion at tonight’s South Asian Showdown. Genres going toe to toe against each other for the title include Bollywood, fusion, and Garba/Raas. 6-9:30 p.m. $20-$100. Back Bay Events Center, John Hancock Hall, 180 Berkeley St., Boston. 617-448-2508. www.southasianshowdown.com
TOMORROW
Music and message The first all-women’s percussion and dance troupe from Guinea was formed in 1998. Nimbaya! tours the world with their music and an important message about the plight of African women. Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. $22, $28. Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge. 617-876-4275. www.worldmusic.org
From earth to heaven A collaboration with Peter Gabriel on “Down to Earth’’ from the film “Wall-E’’ resulted in a Grammy for best song for a motion picture. The Soweto Gospel Choir has also performed for former President Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, and Nelson Mandela. The choir performs for you tomorrow. Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. $47-$60. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 617-482-6661. www.celebrityseries.org
