Dre Day
Friday: A funky Twin Cities tradition that dates to 2002 and the heyday of the Triple Rock, this tribute to hip-hop's most legendary producer Dr. Dre lives on in the pandemic via the Hook & Ladder's HookStream virtual concert series. Coming a month after the real-life Andre Young survived a life-threatening brain aneurysm, there's extra reason to blow off some smoke for his 56th birthday. A live house band dubbed the G Funk Error will back rappers Chance York, D Millz, Tek and Nur-D through classic cuts from "The Chronic," N.W.A., Snoop Dogg and more. (8 p.m. Fri. $15, thehookmpls.com/hookstream.)
Chris Riemenschneider
Winter Weekends with the Ordway
Friday-Sunday: It's the last chance to enjoy Winter Weekends. Five diverse concerts are available on a pay-what-you-like basis (free if you want): Lee Rocker of Stray Cats fame; a cappella septet Naturally 7; Celtic rockers the Red Hot Chili Pipers; Brooklyn's indie rock-interpreting Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra and longtime Louisiana partyers Mojo & the Bayou Gypsies. Since all the performances were recorded pre-pandemic, there is a sense of normalcy with mask-free audiences at these shows. (On demand 9 a.m. Fri.-11:59 p.m. Sun.; ordway.org.)
Jon Bream
Robert Robinson
Sunday: A singer for any occasion, Robinson is celebrating two noteworthy forces in concert: the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month. With a voice for the ages and a repertoire that embraces the sacred and the secular, the Twin Cities vocalist extraordinaire will provide uplift, insight and entertainment. No wonder he has been hailed as everything from the Pavarotti of gospel to God's canary. For this streamed concert, Robinson will be accompanied by pianist Sam Reeves. (7 p.m. Sun. $15, dakotacooks.com.)
J.B.
Minnesota Opera: MNiatures
Ongoing: Minnesota Opera has a fresh set of short pieces by local artists that will challenge your notion of what opera sounds like. Some of the mini-operas take on current issues that have sprung open in our pandemic era, such as "Dear America, Beat Your Heart Defiantly, Naked and Open With Love," featuring the deep resonant voice of Rebecca Nichloson. "Xylem," by Ritika Ganguly and Roshan Ganu, blends notions of Western opera with South Asian musical theater, animated with gorgeous visuals. These bite-sized, tightly edited video offerings will introduce you to strong musical talent creating engaging new work. (mnopera.org/mniatures).
Sheila Regan