Aimee Mann

Not to be confused with the Afghan Whigs, who played the Varsity last month, the Whigs are a straight-up, no-nonsense rock trio from Athens, Ga., whose poppy but bombastic songs -- think Nirvana gone South -- have gone over well opening for the likes of Kings of Leon and the Hold Steady. Their new album for New West Records, "Enjoy the Company," was produced by Hold Steady cohort John Agnello. Opening band Kuroma is led by former Whigs member Hank Sullivant, who also toured with MGMT. Ballroom Boxer also plays. CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

On this year's "Charmer," Aimee Mann returns to a pop sound, a synth-driven 1980s vibe reminiscent of the Cars. The title track is built around a catchy keyboard lick, she teams with James Mercer of the Shins on the breakup song "Living a Lie" and then there's the single "Labrador." To fully appreciate it, check out the video clip, which is a parody of her 1985 breakthrough hit video "Voices Carry" with Til Tuesday; it features "Mad Men" star Jon Hamm and rocker Ted Leo, who will open this concert solo.

JON BREAM

Celebrating Christmas in concert before Thanksgiving? That may be verboten in some people's books, but our own pompadoured guitar god will kick off the Brian Setzer Orchestra's 26-concert Christmas Rocks! tour this weekend, not far from his Minneapolis condo. The terrific guitarist and swell showman always comes up with colorful outfits and snazzy arrangements for his big-band treatments of holiday fare. And, on the ninth annual yule tour with his well-drilled 18-piece orchestra, he might even throw in his secular sensations "Rock This Town" and "Jump Jive and Wail."J.B.

After spending the past five years in New York, musically inclined couple Rico Simon Mendez (aka DJ Don Cuco) and Sarah White have returned home to Minnesota. After playing around town over the past month and creating "Colors x Waves," a new weekly industry night Mondays at Eat Street Social, they've put together their first major event that explores the cross-currents of contemporary culture. "Cultura Love Experiment" will combine Mendez's slick DJ and producer skills with that of R&B singer/musician White, whom some may remember as co-frontwoman of Black Blondie. The evening promises a collage of electronic and indigenous sounds, blending Mendez's love of Latin and African rhythms with White's electronic music, hip-hop and soul background alongside live visuals and performances by underground artists hailing from New York and Minnesota. Come early for free dinner with the artists. JAHNA PELOQUIN