‘Eleanor’

Performances run through Oct. 19. Portland Stage, 25 Forest Ave., $20-$75). portlandstage.org.

Kandis Chappell stars in a one-woman show that’s an engaging, multi-layered history lesson about one of American history’s most notable women. “Eleanor” brings first lady Eleanor Roosevelt to life with stories of her public and private life. Playwright Mark St. Germain’s portrait of Roosevelt shows her strength and vulnerability while her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, dealt with the tumultuous times of the Great Depression and World War II.

Kevin James

7 p.m. Friday. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland, $67-$173. porttix.com.

There’s still a few tickets left to see comic Kevin James when his Owls Don’t Walk tour comes to Portland on Friday. James is known for his starring role in the CBS sitcom “The King of Queens.” Other notable credits include “The Crew” on Netflix, his current “Kevin James: Irregardless” on Prime Video, and several other comedy specials, TV and film roles. Keep an eye out for the upcoming feature film “Playdate,” starring James and Alan Ritchson.

Maine Roller Derby

5 p.m. Saturday. Happy Wheels Skate Center, 3 Chabot St., Westbrook, $12, free for 12 and under. mainerollerderby.com.

Maine Roller Derby’s season kicks off with a Saturday night bout. Hometown rival MRD teams Ship Wreckers will face off against the R.I.P. Tides in a thrilling hunt for bragging rights and glory. Flat track roller derby is exciting and competitive to watch as the lead jammer racks up points while whizzing around the track. Keep an ear out for the penalty whistle, and be ready to witness astounding agility and athleticism.

The Kingston Trio

7 p.m. Saturday. The Hill Arts, 76 Congress St., Portland, $55-$75. thehillarts.me.

The current lineup of The Kingston Trio is Mike Marvin, Tim Gorelangton and Buddy Woodward. They’re keeping the late ’50s/early ’60s acoustic folk pop sound, created by founding members Dave Guard, Bob Shane and Nick Reynolds, alive and well with rich harmonies. Songs you can expect to hear during the Portland show include “Tom Dooley,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” and “Hard Traveling,” among many others.

Buena Vista Orchestra with Primo Cubano

9 p.m. Saturday. Aura, 121 Center St., Portland, $49.50- $89.50, 18-plus. auramaine.com.

For an exhilarating night of authentic Cuban music, head to Aura on Saturday. The Buena Vista Orchestra is led by trombonist, composer and arranger Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos. Ramos was the original orchestra leader of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club, and his current band includes some of its members. You’ll hear many of Buena Vista’s most well known tunes, some of which Ramos composed, along with deeper album cuts. Opening the show is Portland act Primo Cubano, which is dedicated to creating a traditional Cuban sound. The band performed at the 39th annual Havana Jazz Festival in 2019, and last year spent 10 days in Cuba playing and studying with members of the Afro-Cuban All-Stars and Buena Vista Social Club.

Futures for Standardbreds Fundraiser

Noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Funky Bow Brewery, 21 Ledgewood Lane, Lyman, $3 cover. On Facebook.

Saddle up on Sunday afternoon, and head to Funky Bow Brewery to support a worthy cause. Proceeds from raffle items and desserts will benefit the Buxton-based nonprofit organization Futures For Standardbreds and its mission to re-train off-the-track Standardbreds as they transition from racing into happy retirement. A horse ambassador will be on site, and there will be live music from Jeff Pellerin, along with food and drinks for purchase.