BEN HOWARD
7 p.m. • Varsity Theater • all ages • sold out
British folk newcomer Howard, 25, has a softly dramatic voice of the Damien Rice variety and a lush, laid-back acoustic sound befitting the Devonshire countryside where he grew up. He's returning to U.S. clubs following a summer at fests such as Bonnaroo and Sasquatch. Fellow Englishman Marcus Foster opens.CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
MISSION OF BURMA
9 p.m. • 400 Bar • $20
Boston's ear-mangling post-punk blasters Mission of Burma have now issued more albums since their 2004 reunion than in their original 1979-84 run, when they influenced the likes of Sonic Youth and R.E.M. They're widely considered to be a better live act now than they were back then, too. Their just-released fourth effort of the new millennium, "Unsound," delivers a classic, unnerving punch. Porcupine opens. C.R.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD
7:30 p.m. • Target Center • $46-$66
After shows at the State Fair and Mystic Lake's amphitheater, country princess Carrie Underwood will finally bring her full arena production to the Twin Cities for the first time -- along with two new hits, the title track and "Good Girl," from this year's "Blown Away" album. Opening is Hunter Hayes, who claimed this week's No. 1 Billboard country singles spot with "Wanted." JON BREAM
