Our Friday Best: The Killers, Jack Barkla, Trombone Shorty and 'Biggame'

The Killers

They have not one but two strong new albums to promote. Original guitarist Dave Keuning has rejoined. And their brand of hopeful, celebratory, U2- and Springsteen-ized modern rock has never sounded more like a tonic to worldly woes. All are strong reasons to see Brandon Flowers and his Las Vegas-reared gang of "Mr. Brightside" and "All These Things I've Done" fame on their current Imploding the Mirage Tour, named after the first of those pandemic-era records. One more selling point: Guitarist Johnny Marr of the Smiths opens. (7:30 p.m. Tue., Xcel Energy Center, 199 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, $45-$95, ticketmaster.com)

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

Famous Twin Cities theater set designer gets solo exhibition

If you've been to the Guthrie Theater, Children's Theatre Company or the Holidazzle Parade, you've seen the set designs of Twin Cities artist Jack Barkla. In his second-ever solo exhibition at Hennes Art Co., the 82-year-old artist will showcase 147 pieces. Barkla, who grew up in Edina, only recently had his first solo exhibition in 2018, but he's worked on stages in the Twin Cities since the 1960s. (Opening Sat., 3-7 p.m., 717 E. Minnehaha Av., St. Paul. Free. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. hennesart.com or 651-776-8998. Exhibition ends Oct. 28.)

ALICIA ELER

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

JON BREAM

'Solo'

Six dancers who received McKnight Dancer Fellowships in 2020 and 2021 had a chance to work with a choreographer of their choosing to create a piece that highlights their artistry as performers and movers. The fruits of these collaborations will be showcased for two days. Some of the dancers like Non Edwards work with local choreographers like Anna Shogren. While others chose choreographers from around the United States and Brazil. Choreographing Alexandra Eady's piece is "Bessie" award-winning artist and community organizer Maria Baumann of New York. Marciano Silva Dos Santos, artistic director at Contempo Dance, has teamed up with Brazil-based Gil Mendes Coelho. In all, it's a chance to see these Minnesota dancers shine. (7:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. $25, pay as you will also available, 612-206-3600, thecowlescenter.org.)

SHEILA REGAN

The Gear Daddies

C.R.

Peter Ostroushko tribute

He was a first-call mandolinist-fiddler in the Twin Cities, an Emmy-winning composer and a solo artist extraordinaire who could do anything from ethnic (he proudly acknowledged his Ukrainian roots) to elegant (he played with symphony orchestras). He played with everyone from Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson to Garrison Keillor and Emmylou Harris. The late Minnesota music maker will be saluted by some of the best and brightest locals (Prudence Johnson, Dean Magraw, Becky Thompson, among others) and out-of-towners (Greg Brown, Claudia Schmidt, Robin and Linda Williams). (7 p.m. Mon., Woman's Club, 410 Oak Grove St., Mpls., $30, eventbrite.com)

J.B.

'Biggame'

CHRIS HEWITT

'Soft'

The "definitely not for children" play begins with a dating app, supposedly for nice guys, that is not what it seems. That explains why Freshwater Theatre's production comes with trigger warnings about violence, blood, gore and mansplaining. (7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Crane Theater, 2302 NE. Kennedy St., Mpls., $15, freshwatertheatre.com.)

C.H.

La Grande Bande

ROB HUBBARD

Blaine World Fest

Cultural differences are highlighted and celebrated at this annual festival. Groove to a variety of music and learn dances from around the globe. Learn about the communities that make up Minnesota through cultural learning booths and demonstrations. Ethnic food trucks including Zaap Thai and B'beri Desserts will have food and beverages for sale. (1-4 p.m. Sat. Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Drive, Blaine. blainemn.gov.)