If history repeats itself a third time this Saturday, then those who want a seat for the Sharon Katz & The Peace Train concert should arrive long before the 8 p.m. start time.

The Grammy-nominated South African band has performed twice at the Puffin Foundation to standing-room-only crowds. Audiences will be treated to an array of toe-tapping beats, African dances and inspirational lyrics.

“The audience can expect to feel exhilarated, moved and uplifted by the music and spectacle of the dynamic band they'll see and hear,” said Katz. “They should come prepared to be moved to tears and ready to dance the night away.”

Proceeds from the group’s concerts go toward several humanitarian projects around the world, including music therapy for orphans and communities affected by HIV/AIDS and food programs in poverty-stricken areas.

During her teenage years in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Katz sang out against apartheid. She left South Africa to pursue degrees in London and the United States before returning to her homeland when Nelson Mandela was released from prison. She formed a 500-member multiracial group and toured South Africa to bring awareness about the country’s first democratic election.

CNN caught sight of Katz as she reached out to rural people to get them to vote. Her appearance on network footage in 1994 brought her and her musical troupe much fanfare. The group, which is based out of the U.S., continues to tour worldwide.

“I hope the audience will feel the effects of the concert for weeks to come – that they'll feel a renewed sense of optimism and zest for life and that things aren't as gloomy as they sometimes seem to be,” Katz said. “Change is possible.”

Other events this weekend:

Friday, June 17

• Mozart expert Catherine Sprague will lead a 90-minute program called Mozart at the Movies at 10:30 a.m. at the Teaneck Public Library. Sprague will show clips of movies in which Mozart’s music is played. Discussion will follow. This free event is open to the public.

• The Melting Spot will host their monthly open-mic night called Verbal Rhythms, which occurs every third Friday of the month. All forms of art are welcome: rap, spoken word, music and singing. The free event is held at the Evergreen Cabin at 126 Evergreen Place in Teaneck, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 18

• Saturday Storytime at the Library begins at 11 a.m. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

• St. Anastasia’s Roman Catholic Church will present a talent show from 7 to 9 p.m. with proceeds going toward a World Youth Day trip to Spain to see the pope. Students will show off their artwork, and there'll be dance skits and singing and musical performances. Cost is $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.
• Reminder: The county's Juneteenth celebration will take place in Overpeck Park.

• Sharon Katz & The Peace Train will bring their South African beat to the Puffin Foundation at 8 p.m. There’s a $10 suggested donation, and reservations are recommended.

• Reflections with special guest Barry Mitterhof (Jourma and Hot Tuna) and McMule hit the stage at 9 p.m. at Mexicali Live. Tickets can be purchased here.

Sunday, June 19

• The Teaneck General Store and The Teaneck Festival of Arts will host a free artistic exhibition and reception from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Teaneck General Store. Artists Dena Levie and Dani Reyes Mozeson will discuss their work.