Joe Bonamassa: Never a critic's favorite, this blues-rock guitar star has built enough of a following to warrant two nights at the Orpheum this weekend. A journeyman singer, Bonamassa, 39, likes to play it fast and flashy on guitar, with support from an all-star band that includes longtime Letterman drummer Anton Fig, stalwart Nashville bassist Michael Rhodes, ex-Stevie Ray Vaughan keyboardist Reese Wynans and a crisp R&B horn section. When not fronting his own band, Bonamassa is a member of the supergroup Black Country Communion and has recorded a duet album with powerhouse vocalist Beth Hart. (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Orpheum, Mpls., $93-$153, ticketmaster.com.)

P.O.S.: Five years since his last main-room release party celebrating the landmark album "We Don't Even Live Here" — issued under the unfortunate auspices of his kidney problems — the local punker-turned-rapper is healthy again and finally ready to celebrate his new effort for Doomtree Records, "Chill, dummy." The title suits the record's mellower vibe, but it certainly doesn't lack intensity, a point hit home by a dramatic preview party in the Entry back in January featuring a fun array of guests. Afro-funk R&B stylists ZuluZuluu opens along with Invisible Boy, fronted by Poliça bassist Chris Bierden. (9 p.m. Fri., First Avenue, Mpls., $15-$18, eTix.com.)

Miranda Lambert: She is one of Nashville's truth tellers, a singer-songwriter who isn't afraid to be vulnerable and resilient, tender and tough. She demonstrated that once again on last year's double album, "The Weight of These Wings," which was named best album of 2016 in a nationwide critics poll. It was one of the year's best in any genre. And Lambert has five previous albums filled with such gems as "Kerosene" and "The House That Built Me" to provide high-quality material for an entire evening. (7 p.m. Fri. Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul. $27-$53, ticketmaster.com)

The Smithereens and the Motels: Relive the heyday of MTV with two bands that can truly deliver live. It's Pat DiNizio and New Jersey's finest power-popsters the Smithereens, remembered for "Only a Memory" and "A Girl Like You." They are paired with Los Angeles' new-wave stalwarts, the Motels, still featuring the alluring Martha Davis on lead vocals on the '80s faves "Only the Lonely" and "Suddenly Last Summer." (7 & 10 p.m. Fri. Dakota, $45-$50.)

Liv Warfield, Judith Hill and Shelby J: These three Prince protegees can certainly stand on their own. With Prince's guidance, Warfield and Hill released convincing solo albums. Shelby always sparkled when Prince invited her to step to the mic. Should be a soul-stirring evening. Read an interview with Warfield at startribune.com/music. (7 & 10 p.m. Sat. Dakota, $45-$70.)

Greensky Bluegrass: Ahead of its return to the Blue Ox Music Fest in June, Michigan's burgeoning string quartet — more alt-country than trad-bluegrass — is swinging through for an indoor gig in St. Paul's newly replenished theater, which offers ample room to dance. Baltimore picker Cris Jacobs opens. (8 p.m. Fri., Palace Theatre, St. Paul, $20-$25, eTix.com.)

Dillinger Four: If for no other reason than they have a bassist named Patrick and they like beer, Minneapolis' mighty punk quartet is heading up another St. Patty's Day party with special appearance by the Brian Boru Pipe Band and openers the Slow Death, Victory, 83 Wolfpack and the Liver Spots. (9 p.m. Fri., Triple Rock, $13-$15.)

The Orwells: These hard-blasting, Pixies-flavored Chicago rockers seem to be permanently on the verge of indie stardom, and their new record, "These Terrible Human Beings," could be the breakthrough. (9 p.m. Sat., Triple Rock, sold out.)

Bebe Rexha: She has a good ear for commercial radio and dance clubs. She's written hits for Eminem, Iggy Azalea and Cash Cash. Rexha's been featured on such hits as David Guetta's "Hey Mama," G-Eazy's "Me, Myself & I" and Martin Garrix's "In the Name of Love," for all of which she received co-writing credits. After opening tours for Ellie Goulding and Nick Jonas, the budding pop princess headlines her own club tour. Daniel Skye and Spencer Ludwig open. (8 p.m. Sun. Fine Line, Mpls., $17-$30, etix.com)

Strand of Oaks: As promised back in January when they cranked up the Current's birthday parties, Timothy Sholwater and his fuzzed-out Philadelphia band are back for a headlining gig touting their new album, "Hard Love." Sholwater comes off like Springsteen fronting Dinosaur Jr. in several tunes including the first single, "Radio Kids," but he also mellows out and even adds a little poppiness in other tracks, promising a more varied set this time. Kentucky trio Twin Limb opens. (8 p.m. Mon., 7th Street Entry, Mpls., $16, eTix.com.)

Southside Johnny: Springsteen, Bon Jovi and the Four Seasons may be some people's idea of Jersey music. But if you're looking for gritty, soulful, blue-collar New Jersey barroom music, Southside Johnny is the man. He is a buddy of the Boss and Steve Van Zandt, who wrote and produced some of Johnny's best tunes including "I Don't Want To Go Home" and "The Fever." The latest version of Soutside's Asbury Jukes will deliver sweaty, horn-accented rock 'n' soul Jersey style. (7 p.m. Tue.-Wed. Dakota, Mpls., $45-$60, dakotacooks.com)