BROTHER ALI'S NYE PARTYFriday: After another year of steady touring plus a reportedly life-changing holy trek to Mecca last month, the big, pale knight in the Rhymesayers hip-hop roundtable is winding down 2010 with a show that's all about home: a benefit for the music program at his alma mater, Robbinsdale High School, co-produced by the great local music-ed benefactor Vega Productions. Ali suffered the death of his father and his close pal Eyedea in recent months, so the powerhouse rapper should be extra-eager to blow off some steam and put a cap on the year. DJ Snuggles, the Hood Internet and Kanser's live band More Than Lights also perform. (8 p.m. Fri., Marriott City Center, 30 S. 7th St., Mpls. 18 & older. $30-$35, $150 VIP. VegaProductions.org or 612-349-4000.)
CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
