The magic of Mars
Maybe the most complete rock star to come along since Prince, Bruno Mars has the flash, popularity and talent to fill stadiums, but he's prudently sticking to the arena route on his 24K Magic Tour. It's a better venue in which to appreciate the fancy dancing from this hardworking showman. He has been performing hits including "Uptown Funk" and "Grenade" as well as deep tracks such as "Chunky." Opening is former Fifth Harmony singer Camila Cabello.
JON BREAM
7 & 10 p.m. Fri., State Theatre, Mpls., $39-$186, ticketmaster.com
After returning from hiatus with new episodes on Netflix this past spring, the Minnesota-reared crew of the cult sci-fi comedy series "Mystery Science Theater 3000" has entered another new frontier by taking the show on the road. Commander Joel Hodgson will be joined on stage by new host Jonah Ray, their robot friends and (through virtual means) Patton Oswalt. They'll view the classic stink-fest "Eegah" at the first show and a "surprise film" at the later gig.
CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
8 p.m. Sat. Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul. $47-$122.50, ticketmaster.com
Here's your chance to see all the glamour and showstopping moves up close. "Dancing With the Stars: Live! – Hot Summer Nights" is headlined by Heather Morris (aka Brittany Pierce from "Glee"), who used to be – gasp! — a Beyoncé backup dancer. Still, the real stars are sure to be the TV show's cast of professional dancers, who impress with their lifts, spins, dips and flips, encompassing ballroom and modern dance styles.
SHEILA REGAN
7 p.m. Sun., State Theatre, Mpls. $63.50-$529, hennepintheatretrust.org
Gary Clark Jr., Texas' greatest guitar hero since Stevie Ray Vaughan, has yet to make a killer album but has been bowling over audiences in person going back to his breakout performances at Eric Clapton's Crossroads festivals. That's his hard-pounding version of the Beatles' "Come Together" fueling the viral trailer for the "Justice League" movie. This will be his first two-night stand as he graduates from packing First Ave his past couple times in town.
CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
8 p.m. Thu.-Fri., Palace Theatre, St. Paul. $45, eTix.com
Master puppet-maker and actor Masanari Kawahara enlists many actors to give voice to the masks and puppets he has created in this exploration of immigrant experiences. The long planned show, directed by Randy Reyes, includes community members who have devised works based on their own histories and imaginations, and who perform alongside veterans in this Mu Performing Arts production.
ROHAN PRESTON
7 p.m. Fri., 2 & 7 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. next Sun. Ends Aug. 20. SteppingStone Theatre, St. Paul. $10, muperformingarts.org
Richard Strauss' opera "Salome" was judged scandalous in its day. The salacious libretto is based on Oscar Wilde's biblical play, mixing elements of incest, murder and dysfunctional teenage sexuality. Add Strauss' swirlingly seductive music, and the recipe for an operatic masterpiece is complete. Soprano Patricia Racette sings Salome. Andrew Litton conducts, in his farewell appearance as Sommerfest artistic director.
TERRY BLAIN
8 p.m. Sat., Orchestra Hall, Mpls. $30-$80, minnesotaorchestra.org
Ever wanted to go camping but had no desire to leave the city limits? Stop by artist Colin Boyd's solo exhibition, a loose and bohemian-esque ongoing camping trip around parts of the West and Midwest. In one room, Boyd installs an orange tent and places a large furry stuffed bear that's ambling toward it. On another wall, ink drawings capture that same orange tent in the Badlands and at Devil's Tower, Wyo.
ALICIA ELER
Yeah Maybe, Mpls., hereisyeahmaybe@gmail.com
Competition is the spirit of the Lake Hiawatha Neighborhood Festival with a family fitness challenge and talent contest. Glide across Lake Hiawatha in a canoe or use your sleuthing skills to participate in a medallion hunt. Other attractions include a wading pool, pony rides and games.
MELISSA WALKER
5-8 p.m. Wed. Lake Hiawatha Park, Mpls. Free, lhrc.freeservers.com
Maestro Andrew Litton conducts this evening of American classical music and dance. The program features compositions from George Gershwin's "Who Cares?" ballet and Aaron Copland's "Appalachian Spring" while four New York City Ballet dancers interpret the music with their bodies.
ROHAN PRESTON
8 p.m. Fri., Orchestra Hall, Mpls. Sold out, minnesotaorchestra.org
