LOLOS GHOST: The James Loney-fronted, Twin Cities roots-rock band celebrates its new EP, "The Darker the Night, the Brighter the Stars," featuring a cover of Warren Zevon's "Keep Me in Your Heart" and five smartly crafted, low-key originals. (7 p.m. Fri. Harriet Brewing, $5.)
BETH HART: She is a throaty, vibrato-loving Los Angeles blues-rocker who has worked with Slash, Joe Bonamassa and Jeff Beck. "Fire on the Floor," the title track of her album due Oct. 14, is a smoldering tune that just about catches fire. No doubt she will rock you, as she proved on 2015's fully arranged album "Better Than Home." Imagine if Melissa Etheridge wanted to be Etta James — and you've got Hart. (8 p.m. Sat. Fitzgerald, $51-$80.)
Drive by truckers: The Alabama-bred twang-rockers have given us a grim look at the modern South going back to their 2001 opus "Southern Rock Opera," but their new thematic collection, "American Band," is the most dire-sounding yet. Steeped in post-Trayvon Martin racial tensions and the current election cycle, it's unabashed about choosing sides. "We're standing on the precipice of prejudice and fear," co-leader Patterson Hood sings in "What It Means." It should mean an extra fiery night at the band's favorite Midwestern venue, especially with Lydia Loveless opening. (9 p.m. Sat., First Avenue, $25, eTix.com.)
FLAMINGO AND THE FLAMIN' OH'S: The Minneapolis new-wave band with two monikers from different eras celebrates its 40th anniversary, playing "I Remember Romance," "I'm the Gun" and other favorites with three original members — singer Robert Wilkinson, guitarist Johnny Rey and bassist Jody Ray. Then Wilkinson's current incarnation of the Flamin' Oh's hits the stage, with new material from last year's commendable EP, "Here and Now." (9 p.m. Sat. Famous Dave's, $12.)
KT TUNSTALL: After making a name a decade ago with the acoustic soul of "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" and the buoyant pop of "Suddenly I See," this Scottish singer-songwriter is trying to find her mid-'10s inner pop star on the new "Kin," her sixth album. (9 p.m. Sat. Fine Line, $30-$45.)
MIKE PETERS: With the Alarm in the 1980s, the big-haired singer blasted punk anthems filled with big sounds and big ideals. He still has a big voice and big ideas as he promises to present "The Alarm: Spirit of '86" — plus the three-time cancer survivor is campaigning for Love Hope Strength, his nonprofit to promote cancer awareness and outreach. (7 p.m. Sun. Icehouse, $15-$20.)
DANNY BROWN: The Detroit rapper has dropped three singles so far from his fourth album, "Atrocity Exhibition," due Sept. 30. "Really Doe," with its fast flow, features Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul and Earl Sweatshirt. Brown is also heard on the theme song to the TV series "Fresh Off the Boat." (8:30 p.m. Sun. First Avenue, $25-$28.)
Brad Mehldau and Joshua Redman: Last time he was in the Twin Cities, adventurous jazz pianist Mehldau collaborated with mandolin master Chris Thile, the new host of "A Prairie Home Companion." This time Mehldau is teaming with saxophonist Redman, in whose quartet he cut his teeth in the 1990s. Considered one of the more influential jazz pianists of this century, Mehldau usually works with his own trio. However, he's doing a three-city duo collaboration with Redman, who, like Mehldau, is a masterful improviser. (7 & 9 p.m. Sun.-Mon. Dakota Jazz Club, $25-$50, dakotacooks.com.)
