MUSIC
Samara Joy
Last year, Samara Joy captured a Grammy for best new artist, only the second jazz figure to do so (Esperanza Spalding was the other). Next month, the prodigiously talented 24-year-old vocalist will drop her second album for Verve, “Portrait,” a strikingly adventurous collection that finds her interpreting some standards, per usual, as well as penning lyrics for music by the late great Charles Mingus and Barry Harris. This material, which the triple Grammy winner has been playing on tour with her band for months, expands her horizons in a delectably organic way. The old soul jazz singer, who grew up on vintage R&B and gospel in New York City before discovering jazz in college, will make her overdue Twin Cities debut. (7:30 p.m. Sat., Ordway, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. $45-$115, ordway.org)
JON BREAM
Buena Vista Orchestra
The Buena Vista Social Club was formed in 1996 by a group of veteran Cuban musicians, produced by American guitarist Ry Cooder. They made a remarkable eponymous album and an equally acclaimed documentary with director Wim Wenders. In 2017, a second documentary was released, long after many integral musicians died. The ensemble’s original trombonist, Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos, is leading the Buena Vista Orchestra, which includes original BVSC members “Betun” Luis Mariano Valiente Marin (percussion), Emilio Senon Morales Ruiz (piano) and Fabían Garcia (bass). In June, Ramos’ orchestra released “Greatest Recorded Performances, Vol. 2,” showcasing material that will be featured in concert. (8 p.m. Thu. Uptown Theater, 2900 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. $60-$210, ticketmaster.com)
J.B.
The Cactus Blossoms
The more varied and adventurous that their band gets from record to record, the more Page Burkum’s and Jack Torrey’s sibling harmonies stand out as their one unsinkable, attention-grabbing, God-given trait. That’s especially apparent on their fourth Cactus Blossoms full-length LP, “Every Time I Think About You,” which blends tinges of Byrds-like cosmic twang and Rockpile/Nick Lowe-esque stylish Brit rock with their retro-country foundation to great effect. It also boasts two of their most heart-attacking ballads yet, in the title track and “Go On.” Those should sound especially gorgeous in the ornate space chosen for their hometown release party. Humbird opens. (8 p.m. Fri., Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul. $35, axs.com; also: in-store duo set, 7 p.m. Wed, Electric Fetus, Mpls. Free with LP purchase.)
CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
Paul Weller
While his heirs-apparent in British mod-rock Oasis are about to cash in big time on a reunion, the man who sang “That’s Entertainment” with the Jam in the ‘70s and “My Ever Changing Moods” with the Style Council in the ‘80s has been steadily issuing solo albums since the ‘90s. His tours have been a little more sporadic, though, so there’s a sizable buzz behind his first Twin Cities date in seven years. He’s playing songs from his excellent, new Bowie-flavored album “66″ as well as classics going back to his former bands. Irish newcomer George Houston opens. (8 p.m. Mon., First Avenue, 701 1st Av. N., Mpls. $40. axs.com)
C.R.