A half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:

B.T. and "Music Meetings," K-TWIN. Every Thursday at 1 p.m. on 96.3 FM, you can hear a few local celebs and Brian (B.T.) Turner talk about new music. Great info, a few laughs and lots of opinions on what's hip, hot or not across the music world.

Bryan Shackle. The local songwriter/musician from the band ReadyGoes worked with Backstreet Boys on their latest album, co-writing "Feels Like Home" and "Make Believe." The latter sounds more fresh and radio-friendly.

Prince's Pancake Pajama Party, Paisley Park. Sorry I missed this. Everything I heard, read and watched sounded like a blast — and crazy, as always.

Joe Brandmeier, Edina

To contribute: popmusic@startribune.com

Bonnie Raitt, Minneapolis Convention Center. With a parade of guests — the advertised Mavis Staples and the unexpected Lizz Wright, Ricky Peterson and Pat Hayes — Raitt gave one of her top-three performances among her myriad shows in Minnesota.

Judith Hill, Target Center. Opening for Josh Groban, the former finalist on "The Voice" and Michael Jackson backup singer showed a captivating look, commanding presence and compelling voice on some original but timeless soul music.

Billie Joe Armstrong and Norah Jones, "Long Time Gone." This twangy old-school number, with her dominating the tandem vocals, is a terrific tease for their Nov. 25 "Foreverly," an out-of-nowhere tribute to the Everly Brothers.

Jon Bream, Star Tribune