It's one of the last big outdoor music events of the year, and might have one of the nicest settings: The Prairie Burn Music Festival returns on Saturday to the YMCA Camp St. Croix just across the border in Hudson, Wis., proceeds from which go toward scholarships for a wide variety of Y camps.

The family-friendly bash features Cloud Cult for headliners, maybe the orchestral rockers' only area show until their Minnesota Orchestra gigs in April. Koo Koo Kanga Roo, the Ericksons, Honeydogs, Prairie Fire Lady Choir, Dusty Heart and more also perform (2-10 p.m., $35-$45 for adults, free for ages 15 and under with an adult). …

After performing its debut album "The Great Divide" over two nights in July to a great response, Semisonic is returning to First Avenue on Dec. 15 and 16 to play the follow-up record, "Feeling Strangely Fine," in full. Yes, that's the one with "Closing Time" on it. Tickets for both shows go on sale Friday at noon via eTix.com for $35, with pre-sale offers starting Thursday morning. …

Like the Tim Tebow of indie-rock, Hippo Campus dipped its toes in both football and baseball this week. The day after the lads anchored a party in Commons Park before Monday's Vikings game, they dropped a new three-song digital EP titled "Warm Glow" that includes the single "Baseball," already a well-liked one from its live gigs. They also announced new winter tour dates, including their Palace Theatre debut on Feb. 17. …

An 11-piece Gram Parsons tribute band led by bluegrass stalwart Ross Willits, the Gilded Palace of Sinners are back in action next Thursday at the Hook & Ladder Theater (7:30 p.m., $7-$10). … The Aster Cafe's great River Room is up and running again and will host a show Sunday by rootsy balladeer Chris Lynch and his Dust of Suns Ensemble, which includes Semisonic's John Munson (6 p.m., $12-$15). … Record collectors' beloved MSP Music Expo takes place again Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the American Legion Wold-Chamberlain Post 99, 5600 34th Av. S., Mpls. ($10 for 8:30 a.m. admission, or free after 10 a.m.)