PopLike Prince, Me’Shell Ndegeocello is preoccupied mainly...

Pop

Like Prince, Me’Shell Ndegeocello is preoccupied mainly with things spiritual and things erotic on her acclaimed new album, “Peace Beyond Passion.” The spiritual songs all have an embattled edge that rises from Ndegeocello’s standing as a doubly marginalized figure: As a black woman and a lesbian, society confronts her with obstacles enough to prompt prayers for deliverance. Signed to Madonna’s Maverick label, Ndegeocello, who was raised in Washington, D.C., emerged in 1994 with her debut album, “Plantation Lullabies,” and had her hot funk bass playing spotlighted in John Mellencamp’s hit cover of the Van Morrison chestnut “Wild Night.”

* Who: Me’Shell Ndegeocello.

* When: 8 p.m. Saturday, with Doyle Bramhall II.

* Where: Galaxy Concert Theatre, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana.

* Whereabouts: Exit the San Diego (405) Freeway at Harbor Boulevard; go north. Turn right onto Lake Center Drive; the theater is on the left.

* Wherewithal: $17.50-$19.50.

* Where to call: (310) 435-2525 (information) or (714) 740-2000 (Ticketmaster).

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Dance

Eight local dance makers will present recent work in the sixth annual “Choreographers Showcase of Orange County” at Chapman University. Tap, modern, jazz and Polynesian dance are among the offerings. The showcase--with pieces exploring office politics, commercialism versus art, pure abstract movement and other topics--is modeled after Los Angeles’ long-running Dance Kaleidoscope.

* What: “Choreographers Showcase of Orange County.”

* When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

* Where: Chapman University’s Memorial Hall Auditorium, 333 N. Glassell St., Orange.

* Whereabouts: Exit the Garden Grove (22) Freeway at Glassell Street and go north. The college is three blocks past Chapman Avenue.

* Wherewithal: $20 general; $10 for students and seniors.

* Where to call: (714) 744-7061.

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Comedy

While growing up in the South, Pam Stone, a dedicated equestrian, dreamed of competing in the Olympics. Stone never made it to that elite international competition, but some people would say she has struck gold in a different forum, via her quick wit and talent for observations. The winner of the American Comedy Award for best female stand-up in 1993 now happily pursues a career in entertainment (perhaps best-known for her supporting role as the women’s basketball coach on ABC’s sitcom “Coach”), with time out for equestrian activities at a slightly less intense level than the Olympics.

* Who: Pam Stone.

* When: 8:30 tonight and Sunday, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, 8 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday.

* Where: The Improv, 945 E. Birch St., Brea.

* Whereabouts: Exit the Orange (57) Freeway at Lambert Road; go west. Turn left onto State College Boulevard and right onto Birch. The Improv is in the Brea Marketplace, across from the Brea Mall.

* Wherewithal: $10-$12.

* Where to call: (714) 529-7878.

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Art

Spain established its mission system in 1769 in response to Russian expansion into Northern California. If it hadn’t, we might be eating borscht instead of beans. “Russian Spirit: How California Missions Might Have Looked,” an exhibition opening Saturday at Mission San Juan Capistrano, features Russian artist Alexi Steele and examines other possibilities suggested by a hypothetical Russian California. A celebration at the mission courtyard Oct. 19 will include Russian music, dance and food.

* What: “Russian Spirit” art exhibition.

* When: Saturday through Oct. 27. Open daily 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

* Where: Mission San Juan Capistrano, 31522 Camino Capistrano.

* Whereabouts: Exit Interstate 5 at Ortega Highway and go west. Turn right onto Camino Capistrano.

* Wherewithal: $5; $4 for children under 12 and seniors.

* Where to call: (714) 248-2047.