Best of the week: Somi, Dweezil Zappa, Twinsfest, the Current's birthday party, more

Somi's seductively gauzy music reflects both her African and American roots. On her latest album, "The Lagos Music Salon," the Illinois-born singer of Rwandan and Ugandan heritage is joined by world-music queen Angelique Kidjo, rapper Common and jazz trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire. The New York singer, who composed this album while living in Nigeria, is a sophisticate who mixes jazz fusion, Afro pop, earnest R&B and delicate pop. She doesn't shy away from causes, singing about everything from environmental issues to the plight of domestic workers. JON BREAM

7:30 p.m. Fri. Ordway, St. Paul, $27-$37, ordway.org

Love conquers all in the premiere of "Keepsakes: A Chinese Love Story" by CAAM Chinese Dance Theater, even when it's pitted against ancient traditions. Directed by CAAM artistic director Lili Teng, the show takes place the weekend of Chinese New Year. A modern love story set to China's traditional Lantern and Dragon Boat festivals, it features elaborate costumes, acrobatics and more than 100 dancers of all ages.

SHEILA REGAN

7 p.m. Sat. and 2 p.m. next Sun. The O'Shaughnessy, St. Catherine University, St. Paul., $15-$20, oshag.stkate.edu

Until his death in October, at age 92, conductor Sir Neville Marriner was still actively working. It's been 30 years since he left the Minnesota Orchestra, where he was music director for seven seasons. The two concerts he was scheduled to give at Orchestra Hall now will become tributes to his memory. Led by the orchestra's former associate conductor Courtney Lewis, the concerts include symphonies by Beethoven and Dvořák and Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture.

TERRY BLAIN

Two reliable hometown headliners, some out-of-town buzz bands and a few noteworthy local newbies add up to two bountiful nights for 89.3 the Current's 12th birthday party. With a new album due midyear, Jeremy Messersmith tops Friday's lineup over "White Flag"-singing sisters Joseph, dramatic rockers Strand of Oaks and Afrobeat groovers Black Market Brass Band. Saturday features Haley Bonar, riding acclaim for "Impossible Dream," and much-hyped psychedelic pop teens Lemon Twigs.

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. First Avenue, Mpls., $20/night, eTix.com.

This year's Winter Jazz Festival will feature some fascinating history and terrific live music. The history comes from the late DJ Leigh Kamman, whose interviews with Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum and others have been edited into a 35-minute video; the program will include jazz films from the Bob DeFlores collection. The hot music comes from ace New Orleans trumpeter Nicholas Payton, pianist Jon Weber, Patty Peterson's Jazz Women All-Stars and others.

JON BREAM

A soldier, fencer, violinist, conductor — and a contemporary of Mozart's — Chevalier de Saint-Georges was also the first classical composer of African descent. The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra gives a rare performance of his First Symphony. The program also features works by Dvořák, Mozart and Wynton Marsalis.

TERRY BLAIN

11 a.m. & 8 p.m. Fri., Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie; 8 p.m. Sat., Ordway, St. Paul; 2 p.m. next Sun., Ted Mann Concert Hall, Mpls. $13-$53, thespco.org

While he's currently embroiled in a silly legal battle with two siblings over use of his father's name, Dweezil Zappa long ago earned the respect of fans who welcome his live explorations of Frank Zappa's dizzily complex discography. Having ditched the Zappa Plays Zappa moniker, he is cutely calling this the Cease & Desist Tour, marking the 50th anniversary of Frank's recording career and the seminal album "Freak Out."

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

The late Twin Cities photographer Ann Marsden was beloved by many, especially theater people, whose spirits she often revealed with her long lens. From 1997 to 2010, she shot winners of the DreamMaker Awards, given by the Ann Bancroft Foundation to people who support girls and women in realizing their dreams. Winners include Winona LaDuke and Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Marsden's work is being celebrated in an exhibit.

ROHAN PRESTON

Opens 5 p.m. Sat. Ends April 28. Marsden/Gustafson Gallery at IFP Minnesota, St. Paul, free, ifpmn.org

For the first time, Twinsfest will feature a beer garden. Beyond the brewskis, there will be interactive activities for the whole family, including classic arcade games and behind-the-scenes fan experiences. More than 60 current, former and future Twins players will make appearances throughout the weekend, offering autographs and photo opportunities. Also included will be a sports memorabilia and card show, yard sale and panel discussions.

MELISSA WALKER