‘Joe Turner’s Come and Gone’
Portland Playhouse presents “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” an August Wilson work (part of his American Century Cycle) directed by Lou Bellamy, through June 8 at its Northeast Portland theater. The story: Set in a 1911 Pittsburgh boarding house run by Seth and Bertha Holly, it finds us 60 years after Emancipation, with the Great Migration in full swing. We meet Herald Loomis, a man newly free after seven years of forced labor on a chain gang, now searching the country for his estranged wife. Loomis’ story unfolds before us on stage, while his journey mirrors the broader African American pursuit of identity and cultural grounding in the time period following the abolition of slavery. As Loomis encounters other boarding house residents, he begins to realize that even more than his former identity, what he really seeks is his rightful place in a new and changing world.

More: portlandplayhouse.org.

White Bird Dance
The internationally acclaimed Grupo Corpo, Brazil’s premier contemporary dance company, comes to Portland for the final White Bird Dance performance of the season. Grupo Corpo will stage two powerful works, “21” and “Gira,” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (whitebird.org).

Live Music
The Tribune runs a list of notable concerts each month under title “Live Music” on its website, portlandtribune.com/lifestyle. Check it out — each and every month.

Joshua Josue and Edna Vazquez, along with special guests Delgado y Los Conejos de Amor, celebrate Chicano de Mayo at Mission Theater, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1 (mcmenamins.com/mission-theater). The concert celebrates the vibrant cultural riches of the Chicano and Latino communities. Josue founded the event.

Jim Messina and his band The Road Runners play Alberta Rose Theatre, 7 p.m. Monday, May 5 (albertarosetheatre.com). His career has given us the likes of “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” “Angry Eyes,” “Danny’s Song,” “House of Pooh Corner,” and “You Better Think Twice.”

First Thursday
Galleries in Pearl District and elsewhere open new exhibitions around First Thursday (May 1). For a good directory, check out Portland Art Dealers Association website, padaoregon.org. A few highlights:

Vo Vo and Christopher Rauschenberg open new shows at Elizabeth Leach Gallery through May 31 (elizabethleach.com).

Blue Sky Gallery has a couple interesting photography shows: Leah DeVun’s “Resemblance” and Sara J. Winston’s “Our body is a clock,” May 1-31. “Resemblance” documents DeVun’s partner, a transgender father, and their shared experience raising a son (blueskgallery.org).

Whitney Nye’s “Trip” and Laura Domela’s “Defense Mechanism” are on display at Russo Lee Gallery through May 1-31 (russoleegallery.com).

James Lavadour’s “Home Ground,” May 1-31 at PDX Contemporary Art, features paintings made during his days living and working on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (pdxcontemporaryart.com).

Waterstone Gallery presents paintings and works on paper from Lisa Onstad, “Familiar Patterns,” through June 1 (waterstonegallery.com).

One Motorcycle Show
After a successful show in Las Vegas, the One Motorcycle Show returns to its home base, May 2-4 at Zidell Yards at South Waterfront. There are a lot of things happening. The signature showcase is the custom bikes, and there’ll be hundreds on display. There’ll be stunts and demonstrations, and the fashion aspect with art and 21 Helmets display of motorcycle helmets. Live music, food/beverages, coffee and merchandise also will be featured.

More: The1Moto.com.

‘The Other Place’
21ten Theatre’s third season concludes with a psychological drama, “The Other Place” by Sharr White, May 2-25 at 2110 S.E. 10th Ave. The story: Juliana Smithton is a brilliant scientist with a spine of steel, whose work is on the cusp of a massive breakthrough. While giving a talk about her research at an exclusive beach resort, she spies a woman in a yellow bikini. This chance encounter sends her on a path that may destroy her life’s work, her marriage, and her own identity as her past is thrust into the present, and she begins to question reality itself.

More: 21ten.org.

‘Star Wars’ carnival
It’s a variety show of “galactic proportions” as The Steep And Thorny Way To Heaven presents “Rebellions Are Built On Hope: A Star Wars Night Carnival,” 8 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at Star Theater. Dress as your favorite “Star Wars” character and participate. The details (rsvpdx.com/starwars):

As the world falls into chaos, the Empire rises, and Sith and sin reign across the stars; in a galaxy far, far away a Rebellion blossoms right under the Emperor’s nose. Watch as characters from your favorite Star Wars movies and shows grace the stage — from the Witches of Dathomir to Princess Leia Organa herself in an all-star lineup of Portland’s best circus, fringe, burlesque, and cabaret artists.

Kids theater
Northwest Children’s Theater presents “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party,” a magical, interactive and live theater performance May 3-18 at The Judy in Downtown Portland. It was created and conceived by John Ellingson, and it’s directed by Sarah Jane Hardy. The story: Travel through the looking glass to enjoy an interactive extravaganza filled with music, magic, and just a touch of madness. Enjoy tea and treats as the Hatter takes you through interactive stories, songs, and a magic show.

More: nwcts.org.

Oregon Symphony
With “Prom Night at the Symphony,” the Oregon Symphony plays such prom hits as “Stairway to Heaven,” “Footloose” and “Dancing Queen,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

More: orsymphony.org.

Youth orchestra
Portland Youth Philharmonic’s concert “The Search for Beauty,” 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, will include the playing of Robert Schumann’s “Manfred Overture,” Ruth Gipps’ “Second Symphony,” Valerie Coleman’s “Tracing Visions” and Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Piano Concert No. 2.”

More: portlandyouthphil.org.