Best of the Week: Morgan Thorson and Alan Sparhawk, Thom Yorke, 'Bobby Vee'

It's been nine years since Twin Cities choreographer Morgan Thorson teamed up with the Duluth band Low for a trippy exploration of the sublime in "Heaven." With its transcendent vocals and evocation of biblical imagery, the Walker Art Center-commissioned piece explored religion and notions of perfection. Thorson and Low's Alan Sparhawk reconnect this week for "Public Love," a new Walker show exploring reciprocal touch. Created with an ensemble of dancers, the piece grapples with the issue of consent as it considers the power of tenderness. Sheila Regan

8 p.m. Thu.-Sat. Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Mpls. $22.40-$28; 612-375-7600, walkerart.org.

Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke is playing very un-Radiohead-like sets on his solo tour, which has the British art-rock god making his first Minnesota appearance since 1997. Fortunately, his sets so far on the tour aren't too much like his No Doz-requiring soundtrack for the horror film "Suspiria," but rather a much more upbeat mix heavy on electronic/loop gear. Shows are rounded out by other solo material and new pieces with Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich and visual artist Tarik Barri as his "bandmates."

Chris Riemenschneider

8 p.m. Thu. Northrop, Mpls. Sold out.

A huge reason why "Teen Idol: The Bobby Vee Story" is so enjoyable is star Tyler Michaels. He possesses a powerful voice, and his onstage persona is likable and unironic. Both qualities work beautifully for Vee, a Fargo 15-year-old plucked from obscurity as a last-minute replacement for Buddy Holly, who had died in a plane crash. The scenes gracefully navigate the rocker's incident-packed life, with a sad/sweet coda.

Chris Hewitt

For their 12th annual holiday show, the Twin Cities' jazzy New Standards promise special guests and surprises. The trio never announces its guests in advance, but expect an expanded band, big arrangements and an all-star lineup of local performers. Plus, Chan Poling, John Munson and Steve Roehm will deliver original Yule favorites such as "Snow Days" and "Christmas Time Next Year." A tradition that's always a treat.

Jon Bream

8 p.m. Fri, 2 & 8 p.m. Sat. State Theatre, Mpls. $25-$110, ticketmaster.com.

Big vehicles with even bigger wheels will roar and roll over mounds of dirt and careen through the air in the gasoline-fueled Monster Jam. Popular vehicles making their entrance include Avenger, Mutant, Storm Damage, Whiplash and the legendary Grave Digger, driven by Adam Anderson. Arrive early for the Pit Party, where attendees can see vehicles up close and get autographs from drivers.

Melissa Walker

The University of Minnesota's College of Liberal Arts goes all out for its 150th birthday with a show of commissioned portraits by recent MFA graduate Xavier Tavera. He photographed all 60 of the college's departments or organizations. The results range from meta and experimental to marketing brochure-esque. What makes this show unique is that every image is a collaboration with Tavera, rather than simply a portrait photographer delivering the goods.

Alicia Eler

11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tue.-Sat. Nash Gallery, Mpls. 612-624-7530, cla.umn.edu/art/galleries.

Bach's "Christmas Oratorio" covers some of the same biblical events as Handel's "Messiah," making for a refreshing Christmas alternative. Last year the Minnesota Orchestra partnered with Minnesota Chorale to perform the first half of Bach's joyful masterpiece. Now they complete the journey with Parts 4-6. That includes the wise men's visit and Herod's Massacre of the Innocents. Scottish baroque specialist Nicholas Kraemer conducts.

Terry Blain

Unlike other cities, we didn't land Shawn Mendes or Cardi B on iHeartRadio's annual Jingle Ball Tour, but KDWB is bringing a parade of today's hitmakers. The Chainsmokers, those DJ/producers who didn't exactly tear it up at their Super Bowl gig here, will headline, and hopefully Halsey will join them for their smash "Closer." One bona fide group, 5 Seconds of Summer, is onboard along with "Meant to Be" star Bebe Rexha, Bazzi, Sabrina Carpenter and others.

Jon Bream

7:30 p.m. Mon. Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul. $36 and up, ticketmaster.com.

The unimaginable becomes possible during a Moore Magic performance. The husband-and-wife team of Adam and Lisa Moore astound audiences with wily escapes, illusions and a splash of humor. Santa joins the show for a magical reading of " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas." After the show, children can gather for one-on-one time and a photo opportunity with jolly St. Nick, and maybe throw in a Christmas toy wish.

Melissa Walker