Best of the Week: Houston Ballet, Little Big Town, Dan Auerbach, 'Dance 'Til You Drop,' more

Long before "Black Swan" gripped moviegoers, choreographer George Balanchine quipped that all ballets should bear the "Swan Lake" title — such was its unerring ability to generate box-office gold. Northrop auditorium's track record certainly bears that out, with 10 different companies presenting versions on its stage since 1990. The latest is Houston Ballet, returning to the Twin Cities after a six-year absence. Artistic director Stanton Welch's atmospheric production has been an audience favorite since its 2006 debut; there will be a live orchestra. RICK NELSON

7:30 p.m. Sat. & 1:30 p.m. Sun., Northrop, University of Minnesota, Mpls., $30-$76, northrop.umn.edu

Even though Little Big Town doesn't have a lead singer, the country vocal quartet has done just fine. Now in their 20th year, LBT has scored big recently with "Tornado," "Girl Crush" and "Better Man." Karen Fairchild has the big voice in LBT but harmonies and multiple lead singers are their hallmark. That — and an interband marriage — are why LBT has been called the Fleetwood Mac of country. Last seen with Luke Bryan at the Vikings' stadium, LBT is touring with Kacey Musgraves and Midland.

JON BREAM

7:30 p.m Thu., Target Center, Mpls., $24.50-$59.50, axs.com

Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach has put together a Rolling Thunder-like cast for the tour behind his straight-ahead fun, '70s-flavored solo album "Waiting on a Song." Dubbed the Easy Eye Revue, it boasts Nashville session players, including drummer Gene Chrisman and keyboardist Bobby Wood, who rarely tour. Guest vocalists include Louisiana bluesman Robert Finley and Shannon & the Clams' Shannon Shaw, whose group will open. Auerbach is not playing any Keys tunes.

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

The performers in "Dance 'Til You Drop" do exactly what the title says. The play, mostly set during a 1930s dance marathon, uses Regina Peluso's inventive choreography to show what might happen during a marathon that lasts, with only brief breaks, for an amazing five months (it's based on a true story). Timeless songs, energetic dancing and a bit of story blend in a show that peaks with the dancers falling asleep on their feet in the stunning "What'll I Do."

CHRIS HEWITT

Ends April 15. History Theatre, St. Paul, $15-$40 historytheatre.com

The fabulous exhibition "Scharftopia : The Far-Out World of Kenny Scharf" showcases an artist who made a name for himself in the 1980s New York scene, where he was buds with Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Andy Warhol. Scharf's psychedelic and cartoon/comic book-inspired paintings, drawings and sculptures mean you'll find Wilma Flintstone with a snake body, one-eyed cats and three-eyed dogs. It's one step away from an acid trip.

ALICIA ELER

Minnesota's Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre goes big with "Garden of Names," an ambitious show based on the forced disappearances of activists, students and journalists during Argentina's 1970s Dirty War. Born out of a 1990s collaboration with Minneapolis' Flying Foot Forum, this reimagined production features an accomplished cast of musicians and flamenco dancers from Minnesota, New York, Los Angeles, Puerto Rico and France.

SHEILA REGAN

8 p.m. Fri. & Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., through April 15, Cowles Center, Mpls., $30, thecowlescenter.org

Probably the most world-renowned act playing 7th Street Entry this year — never mind if you've never heard of her — 16-year-old Los Angeles singer/songwriter Billie Eilish earned a big viral buzz via Soundcloud with her 2016 single "Ocean Eyes" and has since become a major name on YouTube and Apple Music with her debut EP, "Don't Smile at Me." She's often been compared to Lorde but has a mellower, breezier vibe that's very Southern Californian.

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

After leading the Enso String Quartet for almost two decades, violinist Maureen Nelson joined the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra two years ago. With her vast chamber music experience, she quickly carved out a prominent profile here. She appears as soloist in Vaughan Williams' ethereal piece for violin and orchestra "The Lark Ascending." Also on the program is "The Conference of the Birds" by SPCO composer-in-residence Lembit Beecher.

TERRY BLAIN

8 p.m. Fri. & Sat. Ordway, St. Paul; 3 p.m. Sun. St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi, $11-$50, thespco.org

The snow is giving way to the early signs of spring. Get some fresh air with the family on an outdoor outing. The Eden Prairie Outdoor Center's weekly Saturday open house features hiking and craft projects. Get hands-on interaction with live animals and other family-friendly activities.

MELISSA WALKER