The Big Gigs, Jan. 18-24

POP/ROCK They're calling 89.3 the Current's two-night, sold-out 8th Birthday Party a "celebration of Minnesota music," which might sound a tad off to Cloud Cult's Wisconsin-based leaders. The psychedelic, soul-searching orchestral rockers will preview songs from their new album, "Love," headlining the Saturday lineup. That night also features one of the few local rockers you could regularly hear on the FM dial before the Current, Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum, plus edgy fuzz-popsters Now, Now and sultry rappers the Chalice, two mostly female trios so young they probably can't remember the scene pre-89.3. Friday's show offers a wilder musical mash-up, headlined by the howling blues-punks of the 4onthefloor (who are also working on a new album), preceded by the cast of 1960s-'70s all-stars assembled for Secret Stash Records' "Lost Grooves: Twin Cities Funk & Soul" compilation, including members of the Valdons and Prophets of Peace. Rounding out the Friday bill are passionate singer/songwriter Chastity Brown and soft-voiced indie-pop wunderkind John Mark Nelson. (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., First Avenue. Sold out.) Chris Riemenschneider

Walk the Moon is one of those generic but pleasant-enough pop/rock bands you probably don't know that you already know. Its Killers-meets-Coldplay-sounding single "Anna Sun" ("This house is falling apart," goes the hook) has been all over the TV and radio, including an HP laptop commercial. The Ohio band, started by singer/keyboardist Nicholas Petricca, issued its self-titled debut last summer on RCA and did some opening dates with fun. and Young the Giant. Its 2013 headlining tour starts in Minneapolis. Pacific Air opens. (8 p.m. Fri., Fine Line. Sold out.) Riemenschneider

Whether you know Aaron Neville from his work with the Neville Brothers, Linda Ronstadt or the 1967 solo hit "Tell It Like It Is," his high, fluttery, soulful voice is unmistakable. Next week, the New Orleans stalwart will release "My True Story," featuring his interpretations of doo-wop and other classic vocal-group hits. Produced by Don Was and Keith Richards, the album features breathy readings of "Little Bitty Pretty One," "Tears on My Pillow" and "Goodnight My Love (Pleasant Dreams)." For this gig, he will be accompanied by a pianist. Then Neville, who turns 72 Thursday, will head to the "Today" and "Tonight" shows to promote his album. (8 p.m. Sat., Hopkins Center for the Arts, $46.) Jon Bream

The tribute shows continue at the Cabooze with the sixth annual celebration of the late Janis Joplin, on what would have been the bluesy, boozy rock star's 70th birthday. Powerhouse Jill Mikelson, who starred in the Ordway's "Love, Janis," will lead a string of local singers interpreting "Ball and Chain," "Piece of My Heart" and "Mercedes Benz." (9:30 p.m. Sat., Cabooze, $12.) Bream

The third installment of the Parkway Theater's Back to Mr. Lucky's series -- named after south Minneapolis' hopping teen club of the '60s -- the Stax Soul Revue Tribute comes courtesy of many of the veteran sidemen who helmed the Cabooze's "Last Waltz" tribute two weekends ago, including Robert Hilstrom, Dave Russ and Pete Sands. They'll do like Booker T. & the MGs and back soul/R&B singers Larry Fountain (Soultight Committee), Jerry Estridge (Casablanca Orchestra) and Kendra Glenn through the hits made famous by the Memphis label's legendary stars, including Otis Redding, Sam and Dave and Isaac Hayes. (7 p.m. Sat., 4817 Chicago Av. S., Mpls. $12.) Riemenschneider

Canadian power-pop songwriter Dave Rave, formerly of the Shakers and Teenage Head ("the Canadian Ramones"), has crossed paths with lots of notable names (Alex Chilton, Daniel Lanois, John Wesley Harding). Coming off an impressive 2011 album, "Live With What You Know," he's playing an unexpected no-cover gig Saturday with his band the Governors (at 10:45 p.m.). Also appearing: Smilin' Cowboys, Junkboat, a new unit with Rich Mattson; James Loney and Rapedoor. (8 p.m. Sat., Wild Tymes, 37 7th Pl. W., St. Paul, 651-224-8181. Free.) Tom Surowicz

With his back-to-back "Duets II" (featuring Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse and John Mayer) and "Viva Duets" (pairings with Latin singers including Marc Anthony and Gloria Estefan), Tony Bennett might seem more preoccupied these days with marketing. But his singing remains strong, and he was in splendid voice in an August 2011 appearance at Mystic Lake Casino. Though the show was short, his voice was robust and emotional, as forceful as it's ever been, and he radiated the irresistible joie de vivre that helps make his performances so satisfying. At 86, Bennett remains a must-see musical treasure. (7 p.m. Sun., State Theatre, $63.50 & $83.50.) Bream

Midge Ure is something of a Zelig character in U.K. music history, having toured with Thin Lizzy and formed the Rich Kids with Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock before he went on to co-write one of the biggest-selling singles of all time, 1984's famine-relief single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" -- which led to him co-helming one of the biggest concert events of all time, Live Aid, with Bob Geldof. He also fronted the New Wave/synth-pop band Ultravox in the '80s, which recorded with Brian Eno and reunited for the Prince's Trust concert in 2009. He's touring the United States for the first time in 12 years with Right the Stars, a Los Angeles-based trio led by ex-Wisconsinite Rich Jacques, as his opening act and backing band. Local Ultravox-inspired singer Ana Voog also appears. (8 p.m. Sun., the Belmore/New Skyway Lounge, 25 N. 4th St., Mpls. $18-$20.) Riemenschneider

Discovered by the Brit duo Tears for Fears in a Kansas City hotel bar, Oleta Adams has had a nice run. She's gotten considerable mileage out of her 1991 Gulf War piano hit, "Get Here," sung with Phil Collins' big-band jazz tour and starred on an Elton John tribute album. Adams is a compellingly soulful stylist who mixes elements of jazz, R&B, pop and gospel. She will perform as part of the University of Minnesota's 32nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute. (4 p.m. Sun., Ted Mann Concert Hall, free.) Bream

When you hear her voice, witness her poise and listen to her sophisticated approach, it's hard to believe that Jackie Evancho is only 12. The "America's Got Talent"-launched classical/pop crossover star from Pittsburgh is focusing on material from last year's "Songs From the Silver Screen," including "My Heart Will Go On" (from"Titanic"), "Music of the Night" ("Phantom of the Opera") and "Reflection" ("Mulan"). Read an interview in Sunday's Variety. (7:30 p.m. Tue. State Theatre, $40-$115.) Bream

Jose Feliciano is best known for his hit version of the Doors' "Light My Fire," his Christmas classic "Feliz Navidad" and his controversial interpretation of "The Star Spangled Banner" at the 1968 World Series. At 67, the singer-guitarist is still working those three things. In fact, he did the national anthem at the National League playoffs last October. His latest English album is "The King," a tribute to Elvis Presley. (7 & 9 p.m. Tue., Dakota Jazz Club, $35-$70.) Bream

Likely shoo-ins for the Grammys' best-new-artist trophy and possibly record of the year, too, "We Are Young" hitmakers fun. lived up to their name at a charming, sold-out Myth nightclub last summer. Frontman Nate Ruess pledged his love for Ricky Rubio and the Twin Cities and then showed off his Jagger-like moves at the end with a cover of "You Can't Always Get What You Want." He and his New York band are hitting an even larger venue this time around, and they have at least one more radio hit to rouse the crowd into a sing-along, the Queen-copping title track of their 2012 album "Some Nights." Andrew McMahon of Jack's Mannequin notoriety opens. (7:30 p.m. Wed., Roy Wilkins Auditorium, $29.50.) Riemenschneider

After writing tunes for such Brit sensations as Cher Lloyd, Susan Boyle and Leona Lewis, Emeli Sandé released Britain's best-selling album in 2012. She even sang at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the London Olympics. But Sandé -- she's abandoned her real first name, Adele, for obvious reasons -- has not caught on in the States. In a cameo performance last March at the Dakota Jazz Club, the former medical student, 25, came across as poised, polished and formal. Her album, "Our Version of Events," features heavily produced Brit hits including the dance-happy "Heaven" but it's the slower, more contemplative tunes such as "Maybe," "River" and "Hope" (which she co-wrote with Alicia Keys) that showcase her heart, soul and true talents. Emily King opens. (8 p.m. Wed., Varsity, $20-$22.) Bream

Kelly Hogan's first solo album in a decade, "I Like to Keep Myself in Pain," showed up on a slew of best-of-2012 lists. It was the kind of confident showcase careers are built upon, an all-American roots-music home run. The veteran backup singer -- last seen locally with Neko Case at Rock the Garden 2011 -- has terrific pipes mated with unerring feel for lyrical nuance. And Hogan is in great company on the album, with accompaniment by Booker T. Jones, guitar savant Scott Ligon (of the new NRBQ), bassist Gabriel Roth (of the Dap Kings), and R&B drums great James Gadson. See next Tuesday's Variety section for an interview. (7:30 p.m. Thu., Turf Club, $13-$15.) Surowicz

LATIN While she has always heavily injected her Puerto Rican roots into her music, local hip-hop starlet Maria Isa let her pride flow like never before in the Latina Ritual Project, part of the Cedar Cultural Center's 416 Club Commission series. The grant program funds adventurous new music projects, in this case a pairing with Adriana Rimpel of Minneapolis-based rumba group Malamanya. The two traveled to Puerto Rico last summer to explore the current musical landscape there, and they wound up finishing things up locally with help from Viviana Pintado, Lupe Castillo, Susana de Leon, Oso and other members of Malamanya, all of whom will perform at this special event. (7 p.m. Sun., Cedar Cultural Center, all ages, $5, or $20 series pass.) Riemenschneider

JAZZ Veteran jazz singer Dorothy Doring, long underrated even in her own hometown, releases an album every six or seven years. Each effort is very different and always worth the wait. Her new duets disc with pianist Phil Mattson is the most intimate and sublime yet, titled simply "Compositions by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn." Two-time Grammy nominee Mattson is a master arranger and accompanist, a self-effacing legend in vocal jazz circles, known for his work with the Four Freshmen, Mark Murphy, Bobby McFerrin, the p.m. singers and Manhattan Transfer (on their best release, "Vocalese"). These two old pros know how to keep it simple and direct on such timeless ballads as the exquisite "Something to Live For" and the familiar "I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good." This weekend's release party won't be all duets, as guests Billy Peterson (bass) and Dale Mendenhall (sax) join in. (9 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Artists' Quarter, $10.) Surowicz

FOLK/ROOTS Album release parties happen every week. So do book signings. But it's not every day you see a "book release concert." Yet that's what Dakota Dave Hull is having on Saturday. The book, "Ragtime Guitar in the Classic American Style," does include a delightful solo album with some songs that should have instant appeal for Twin Cities audiences, including "Kirby Puckett's Rag," "The Extempore Rag" (in honor of the fabled old West Bank folk coffeehouse) and "The Hink," no doubt dedicated to the late, great folkie Bill Hinkley, though it sounds like it could have been written by another of Hull's musical heroes, Dave Van Ronk. Jack Klatt opens. (8 p.m. Sat., Celtic Junction, $12-$15.) Surowicz

One could argue that Irish traditional folk is at its best when most intimate, and the Riverview Wine Bar is the next best thing to a living room. Daithi Sproule, an internationally known guitarist and singer from Erin who tours the globe with the band Altan, will play duets this weekend with one of the Land of Lakes' best-known exponents of pan-Celtic culture, Laura McKenzie, on flutes, whistles, bagpipes, concertina and vocals. (7 p.m. Sat., Riverview Wine Bar, $13.) Surowicz

BLUES Once a nonstop road warrior, Lucky Peterson is spending more time at home in Texas these days. A former child prodigy, the guitarist, keyboardist, singer and songwriter now has four children of his own and a steady gig playing organ in a Dallas church. But he's back for a decidedly secular one-nighter. On his winning 2010 album "You Can Always Turn Around," Peterson tackled the works of legendary Southern bluesmen and such contemporary aces as Lucinda Williams, Tom Waits and Ray LaMontagne. (9 p.m. Fri., Famous Dave's Uptown, $8.) Surowicz