Rufus wainwright at the Minnesota zoo

Tuesday: The best thing about working without a band, says Wainwright, is that he doesn't have to pay anybody. The piano man is touring solo, promoting "Vibrate: The Best of Rufus Wainwright," a triumphant collection that showcases his range, wit and flair for melody and drama. Don't be surprised if he mentions his post-rehab residency in Minneapolis that included waiting tables at the now-defunct New French Cafe. And maybe he'll talk about his operas — he just completed a Pledge Music fundraising campaign to record "Prima Donna," which has been presented in Manchester, England, and New York City, and he's composing "Hadrian," scheduled for a 2018 premiere by the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto. His sister, Lucy Wainwright Roche, opens. (7:30 p.m. Tue., Weesner Amphitheater, Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley. $39.50-$51.50. eTix.com)

Jon Bream