Regional arts and entertainment events

Sunday

Power to the people Though intended both as a soul-power vehicle and an ad for Stax Records, the 1972 concert film Wattstax, documenting a gathering at the Los Angeles Coliseum, resonates now for many reasons: The Rev. Jesse Jackson in a dashiki introducing singer Isaac Hayes in a chain vest; soul-shaking sets by the Bar-Kays and Rufus Thomas; and Ted Lange (later of Love Boat fame) portraying a right-on political brother in dramatic interludes. The film screens at 2 p.m. at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville. Tickets are $8; $6 for seniors. Call 610-917-1228.

The greatest A reason for one last visit to the Shore, and it has nothing to do with sun, sand, or saltwater taffy. Although Haydn's string quartets make a pretty good argument for Papa being the greatest composer of all time, his oratorio The Creation seals the deal. Conductor Jason Tramm leads the New Jersey State Opera Orchestra in the work at 7:30 p.m. at Ocean Grove's Great Auditorium, Pilgrim and Ocean Pathways, Ocean Grove. Admission is free. Call 732-775-0035.

Monday

Rags to rizzle The seminal rapper Snoop Dogg started out as a real SoCal gangsta, got his break from Dr. Dre, slowed the jam down, and then catapulted to the pop-music firmament. Sure, he's had his legal troubles, but he's since become a record exec and coaches kids' football, and still has that laconic, knowing way with a beat. This is what the American dream looks like now, yo. He performs at 8 p.m. at the Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St. Tickets are $38. Call 215-922-1011.

Tuesday

From the roots Country gentleman and honky-tonk musicologist Marty Stuart plays at 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. Tickets are $37.50 and $47.50. Call 215-222-1400.

Wednesday

Imagined life And now, here's the welcome return of the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe, packing a year's worth of works into a few weeks. Let's begin with the Fringe: Juanita Rockwell's physical-theatre Buddhist musical Between Trains follows a lost traveler through a dreamscape. The Gas & Electric Arts production goes on at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Bardo at the Becker Building, 1151 N. Third St., and continues on a Wednesday-through- Sunday schedule to Sept. 19. Tickets are $25. Call 215-413-1318.

Thursday