Kaskade has played the biggest festivals in the world (including Coachella earlier this year), but I hear he loves playing in front of the Minneapolis crowd. On Thursday, Vimlab will bring him here for the 14th time with a huge set at Epic. Tickets are selling fast.

The in-demand dance music icon is fresh off the success of his 2011 hit album "Fire & Ice," which debuted at No. 4 on the pop charts. He finished the year being named "America's No. 1 DJ" by DJ Times and Pioneer DJ (take that Skrillex!).

He's on the road now for his 70-city "Freaks of Nature" tour. I'm told fans can expect a shock-and-awe production at Epic where Kaskade will be backed by a massive LED screen, plus aerialists, hula hoopers and other performers.

If you're unfamiliar with the house producer, check out this great New York Times profile from late 2011: "How Ryan Raddon Became the $200,000-a-Night D.J. Known as Kaskade." (I don't think he's getting $200,000 to play Epic.)

Here's a peak at what you can expect from the "Freaks of Nature" tour:

Details: 9 p.m. Thursday. Epic, 110 N. 5th St., Mpls. $35. 18 and older. Tickets: www.epicmpls.com or www.vitalculture.com