DanceJiri Kylian’s Nederlands Dans Theater electrified audiences...

Dance

Jiri Kylian’s Nederlands Dans Theater electrified audiences when it danced in Costa Mesa in 1994. Times dance critic Lewis Segal called it “one of the terpsichorean wonders of the age.” The company returns to the Performing Arts Center this week.

There are two programs. Program A (July 27-28 and Aug. 2-3) will include Kylian’s “Bella Figura” and “Symphony of Psalms” and the U.S. premiere of Paul Lightfoot’s “Start to Finish.” Program B (July 30-31 and Aug. 1): Kylian’s “Sweet Dreams,” “Six Dances” and “Soldier’s Mass.”

* What: Nederlands Dans Theater, in two repertory programs of works by Jiri Kylian and Paul Lightfoot.

* When: Saturday and Tuesday-Aug. 2 at 8 p.m., also Sunday and Aug. 3 at 2 p.m.

* Where: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

* Whereabouts: Exit the San Diego (405) Freeway at Bristol Street; go north. Turn right onto Town Center Drive.

* Wherewithal: $18-$59.

* Where to call: (714) 556-2787.

Pop

Laid-back, sparse and unhurried singing and guitar playing are the hallmarks of J.J. Cale. Cale--who hails from Tulsa, Okla., and now lives in rural San Diego County, has made his most widely heard impact as the writer of two Eric Clapton standards, “After Midnight” and “Cocaine,” and the Lynyrd Skynyrd rocker “Call Me the Breeze.” But Cale’s vocal delivery and, especially, his nimble, terse guitar style have been influential too--it’s hard to listen to Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits without thinking of Cale, whose 12-album catalog dates back to 1972.

His new album, “Guitar Man,” is a do-it-yourself, one-man project that traverses Cale’s roots in blues, country and dusty rock ‘n’ roll, with some surprising studio experimental departures as well.

* Who: J.J. Cale.

* When: 8 p.m. Saturday. With Ave. C and Cradle and All.

* Where: Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

* Whereabouts: Exit the Santa Anay (5) Freeway at Camino Capistrano; go left. The Coach House is in the Esplanade Plaza.

* Wherewithal: $19.50-$21.50

* Where to call: (714) 496-8930.

Music

Kenny Endo marches to the beat of a different drummer--himself--and to the beat of very different drums: They range in size from very small sensitive hand drums to others 7 feet high and weighing up to 700 pounds. The Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble performs at a pair of shows Saturday at San Juan Capistrano Regional Library.

In 1987, Endo became the first foreigner to earn a stage name in classical Japanese drumming, considered a profound achievement for a third-generation American. His group incorporates a variety of musical styles ranging from Kabuki to modern jazz.

* Who: Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble.

* When: 9 p.m. Saturday.

* Where: San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, 31495 El Camino Real.

* Whereabouts: Exit Santa Ana (5) Freeway at Ortega (74) Highway; go west. Turn right onto El Camino Real.

* Wherewithal: $3-$6.

* Where to call: (714) 248-7469.

Family Affair

“Arbol de la Vida” (Tree of Life) is the theme of Una Noche del Teatro, a variety show Saturday at South Coast Repertory. Nuestra Teatro will blend comedy, music, theater and dance in a tribute to the power of families to transcend the age differences and borders that can separate them. It’s the second event of SCR’s Festival Latino, a celebration of Hispanic performing arts.

Jazz flugelhornist Tony Guerrero will play at an hors d’oeuvres reception; the show inside includes jazz-salsa conguero Poncho Sanchez; guests will return outdoors for dessert. Funds benefit SCR’s Hispanic Playwrights Project and Neighborhood Conservatory, a program of free after-school theater classes for at-risk youths.

* What: Una Noche del Teatro.

* When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday. (Performance at 8 p.m.)

* Where: South Coast Repertory, fountain courtyard and Mainstage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

* Whereabouts: Exit the San Diego (405) Freeway at Bristol Street; go north. Turn right onto Town Center Drive.

* Wherewithal: $35-$125.

* Where to call: (714) 95-602, Ext. 219.