Jenny Lewis: Five years since her last album, the Los Angeles twang-pop hero is still singing about failed but exciting romantic liaisons and a troubled upbringing on her fourth effort, "On the Line." This time out, though, there's a surprising number of lyrical references to Minnesota, where she has spent time visiting family and an ex-boyfriend in recent years. Another big difference is the all-star cast of players on this LP, including Benmont Tench, Don Was, Jim Keltner, Ringo Starr and (gulp!) Ryan Adams. Her touring band will have its work cut out, recreating the many wonderfully grandiose tunes. (8 p.m. Fri., Palace Theatre, 17 W. 7th Place, St. Paul, $30-$50, eTix.com.)
Amos Lee: After exercising his soul-music muscles on 2016's "Spirit," the Philly singer-songwriter plumbed deeper into his own soul on 2018's highly personal, moodily soulful "My New Moon," his seventh studio project. He sends messages of hope in songs like "No More Darkness No More Light," inspired by the Parkland High School killings, and "Little Light," sparked by a 9-year-old who beat cancer. And there's the gorgeously soulful "All You Got Is a Song," about coping with trying times. Tour set lists indicate that this longtime Twin Cities favorite does a mix of older and new numbers. (7:30 p.m. Fri., State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., $63, ticketmaster.com.)
Baroness & Deafheaven: Two of the most innovative metal bands of today have paired up on a spring tour, a chance for the melodic but mighty, Savannah, Ga.-based Baroness to preview a new album due in June, "Gold & Grey," once again produced by Flaming Lips associate Dave Fridmann. George Clarke and his thrashy, San Francisco-reared Deafheaven earned a Grammy nomination with last year's record, "Ordinary Corrupt Human Love." (7:30 p.m. Fri., Skyway Theatre, Mpls., $29.)
Tim O'Brien Band: On his brand new eponymous album of traditional-style bluegrass, the Grammy-winning picker and his pals do plenty of nifty pickin' and heartfelt singin'. They recast "Diggin' My Potatoes," learned from bluesman Big Bill Broonzy, as bluegrass, and mash up Latin and klezmer styles on the intriguing instrumental "La Gringa Renee." (7 p.m. Fri., Dakota, Mpls., $35-$45)
Hayes Carll: The Texan alt-country tunesmith again holds himself up as one of John Prine's most worthy heirs on his latest and best record, "As It Is," which follows a divorce. It features production and writing input from his new sweetheart, singer/songwriter Allison Moorer. With wry commentary on modern problems and everyday people, the lyrics alternate between gut-punching heartache and spit-taking humor, and the music goes from elegant twang to roadhouse boogie. Opener Ben Dickey portrayed Blaze Foley in last year's underrated, Ethan Hawke-directed movie "Blaze." (8 p.m. Fri., Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Av. S., Mpls., $22-$25, thecedar.org.)
J.S. Ondara: After his first European trek and a busy stint at the South by Southwest conference that landed him on many artist-to-watch lists, the Kenyan-born, Minneapolis-based folk-rocker finally is back for a proper release show behind "Tales of America," his debut album issued last month by Verve Records. (7 p.m. Fri., 7th St. Entry, sold out.)
Tommy Castro & the Painkillers: Since jettisoning his horn section in 2012, this well-traveled blues guitar star gets to cut loose and improvise more onstage. There's plenty evidence of his sweaty roadhouse swagger on last year's "Killin' It Live" concert disc. Also appearing is longtime Minnesota favorite Corey Stevens, the blues-rocker who evokes Eric Clapton. (8 p.m. Sat., Medina Entertainment Center, $25 and up)
Boyz II Men: It was hard to appreciate the smooth R&B harmonies of these Grammy-winning 1990s hitmakers in Xcel Energy Center two years ago when they appeared with New Kids on the Block. However, the Philly trio (Michael McCary left in 2003 due to chronic health issues) should be able to deliver "On Bended Knee," "One Sweet Day" and other sweet love songs with panache in a theater setting. (7:30 p.m. Sun., Ordway Center, $58-$111)