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Legendary producer and R&B singer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds will perform at the NJPAC in Newark on Thursday.

(Photo courtesy Def Jam.)

BABYFACE PERFORMS AT NJPAC

If you're looking for a concert that will set the mood for a romantic Valentine's Day Weekend, you can't go wrong with Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds at the NJPAC on Friday. Babyface, the prolific singer-songwriter who has made his career as a hitmaker for the biggest names in music, is currently on tour promoting his new record "Return of the Tender Lover." The album, which was released in December, is a follow-up to his 1989 triple platinum record, "Tender Lover." Opening up for Babyface will be the R&B trio After 7, which features Babyface's brothers Melvin and Kevon Edmonds. $49.50-$99.50. Friday, 8 p.m. 1 Center Street, Newark. 1-888-GO-NJPAC

The inaugural SOMA (South Orange and Maplewood) Film Festival, a three-day celebration of independent cinema from around the world, will take place this weekend at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. The festival will a series spotlight narrative shorts, documentaries (full length and shorts), and narrative features (view schedule here). There will be a number of entries from right here in the Garden State, so if you're curious about the future of filmmaking in the state, you might find it in South Orange. There's an opening night party on Friday from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. with beer, wine, and light fare served. Tickets for this party are $20 per person, and are not included with purchase of a festival pass. $25-$55. Friday-Sunday, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. 973-313-2787.

TRACY MORGAN IN ATLANTIC CITY

To paraphrase the former "SNL" and "30 Rock" star, on Friday night at Harrah's, 'everybody's getting pregnant!' Okay, while mass pregnancy will not be happening on Friday, spontaneous outbursts of laughter most likely will. Friday is Morgan's first Jersey date on on his "Picking Up the Pieces" tour. Morgan will return to the state in at the BergenPAC (April 2), and State Theater in New Brunswick (April 16). This will be Morgan's first nationwide comedy tour since 2014 after being injured in a collision between his minibus and a Wal-Mart truck. Morgan made his return to the performing spotlight in the fall of 2015 when he hosted "Saturday Night Live." $149-$199. Friday, 9 p.m. 777 Harrah's Boulevard, Atlantic City. 609-441-5000.

VALENTINE PLUNGE FOR ALS IN MANASQUAN

You'll be showing love to your significant other this weekend with fancy dinners and expensive gifts, so why not show some love for your fellow man, too? This Saturday you can help support the fight against ALS at Manasquan's annual Valentine Plunge. Plungers are encouraged to raise $100 in donations in order to plunge, and teams are more than welcome to join and have a good time with wild costumes and team names. Registration for the plunge (and a pre-party) will take place at Leggett's Sand Bar & Restaurant from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. The plunge itself will happen at the Main Beach, located at the end of Main Street. Plungers can head back to Leggett's for an after-party. $100 Donation. 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Registration), Noon (Plunge). 217 First Avenue, Manasquan.

Hero Pattern, one of New Jersey's top indie bands of the early 00s, will reunite for a special one-night only show at Maxwell's on Friday.

HERO PATTERN REUNITES AT MAXWELL'S

For those who hung around the then-thriving New Brunswick and Hoboken/North Jersey music scene in the early-to-mid 00s, Hero Pattern was the must-see band. The foursome's blend of intelligent and introspective lyrics with high-energy, tautly crafted alt-rock packed venues around the state. Yet, despite appearances on Matt Pinfield's "The Buzz," getting their music on various MTV shows, and opening for the likes of Ted Leo -- the band called it a day in 2010. Now, some six years later, they return to Maxwell's Tavern in Hoboken for a special one-night only performance. Opening up the show will be Control, and longtime Hero Pattern running mates, The Gay Blades. The show will help raise money for the brother of HP's Jason and Michael Kundrath, whose family lost everything in a recent house fire. $10. Friday, 8 p.m. 1039 Washington Street, Hoboken. 201-653-7777

STAR WARS WEEKEND AT LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER

The Force will be with you at the Liberty Science Center on February 12-15. Over these four days the LSC will be celebrating "Science, Sabers and Star Wars" with interactive Star Wars-themed activities and contests. From 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. kids will be able to fly a drone, "design" a droid, practice taking down the Death Star, hone their Jedi skills (by lifting large objects with simple machines), and building their own lightsaber. Attendees are encouraged to cosplay as their favorite "Star Wars" characters (you'll receive $5 off admission). The 501st Stormtrooper legion, Mandalorian Mercs, and Empire Saber Guild will be lurking about LSC, and there's even a Wookie calling contest. $17.75-$31.75. Friday-Monday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Star Wars activities), 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (center hours). 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City. 201-200-1000.

The Asbury Park Boardwalk will host a whole weekend of Valentine's themed events including a special pop-up market in Convention Hall.

FAMILY DATE NIGHT AT JENKINSON'S

Can't get a sitter to watch the kids this weekend? Then why not make them a part of your Valentine's Day plans? Jenkinson's Aquarium will be hosting "Family Date Night" on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights starting at 5:30 p.m. For $49.95 a family of four can get into the famous aquarium, get a large pizza and pitcher of soda, a treat from The Sweet Shop, and the kids will receive a $10 playcard for the Pavilion Arcade. $49.95. Friday-Sunday, 5:30 p.m. 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach. 732.892.0600.

ASBURY PARK BOARDWALK'S COUPLES THERAPY WEEKEND

The Asbury Park Boardwalk will celebrate Valentine's weekend with a mixture of movies, music, food, and shopping. On Friday night, the Asbury Park Film Initiative will present a free screening of the classic Audrey Hepburn film "Breakfast at Tiffanys" at the Paramount Theatre. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the film beginning at 8 p.m. There will be movie theater-style snacks, and a full cash bar for those of legal drinking age. The Anchor's Bend, located inside The Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, will host an after-party with drinks and a light menu.

On Saturday, day begins with a pop-up market curated by the Asbury Park Bazaar and the Market at Fifth Avenue. There will be over 20 vendors selling handmade jewelry, clothing, grooming needs, and gifts for pets. The kids can enjoy a special craft workshop from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. There's a $2 suggested donation for participation. Post-market, The Anchor's Bend will serve a three-course Polynesian dinner for $40 while the Asbury Oyster Bar will serve a $50 oysters and champagne special (the special runs Saturday & Sunday from noon - 10 p.m.). After dinner Miss TK, of the electro-pop group Miss TK & The Revenge, will jam with DJ Atom Worth, during the Couples Therapy Valentine's Day Dance Party. The party will happen at the Grand Arcade in Convention Hall. Free-$50. Friday-Sunday. 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park.

Bill Bodkin can be reached at bodkinwrites@gmail.com. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.