LYLE LOVETT

Wednesday: Even though he has performed countless shows in various Twin Cities area venues since 1987, Lovett has not heretofore brought His Large Band to the Minnesota Zoo. After testing the waters at the zoo last summer with His Acoustic Group, Lovett arrives with the bigger ensemble for an evening in which folk, blues, country, gospel, jazz, R&B, storytelling and humor meld into a captivatingly original Texas-flavored concoction. And he's got cool hair, too. Lovett will be trying to return to reality after just playing the Hollywood Bowl with Willie Nelson (who performed his "Stardust" album in its entirety) and Denver's legendary Red Rocks with Kris Kristofferson. Always recommended. (7:30 p.m. Wed. $68-$80.50. Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley. www.suemclean.com/zoo.)

JON BREAM