The Big Gigs: 10 top concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Forty-nine years since birthing one of punk-rock’s most prototypical songs, “Roadrunner,” with his old band the Modern Lovers, the Boston music legend is still cutting loose and having a lot of fun on record. His new album, “Only Frozen Sky Anyway,” reunited him with former Modern Lover and Talking Heads guitarist/keyboardist Jerry Harrison as its producer while Richman ruminated on some of their late friends and wilder times. Now, he and drummer Tommy Larkins are revisiting another old friend, the First Ave Mainroom, site of Richman’s many ’80s appearances. (7:30 p.m., First Avenue, 701 1st Av. N., Mpls., $40, axs.com)

From playing a weekly gig at Bunker’s in recent years to winning the International Blues Challenge in Memphis earlier this year, the high-wired guitar slinger from River Falls, Wis., is saying goodbye to his Midwest surroundings after signing a new management deal. This is his final hometown gig before he moves to Los Angeles to finish off his ambitious new record and makes new friends such as fellow six-string wiz Orianthi, with whom he recently jammed on stage in L.A. (7 p.m. the Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., $36, dakotacooks.com)

Also: Fresh off playing the Austin City Limits festival, Kentucky rockers Cage the Elephant of “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” fame are headed up I-35 for another headlining gig (6:50 p.m. the Armory, $78); singer/guitarist Shawn Phillips, beloved from the 1970s halcyon days of KQRS, is back (8 p.m. Fitzgerald Theater); Israeli electro-pop singer/songwriter Noga Erez is touring behind her third album, “The Vandalist,” which features Robbie Williams (8 p.m. Varsity Theater, $33 and up); rootsy Minnesota singer/songwriters Becky Schlegel, Katy Tessman and Nikki Lemire are teaming up as the harmonious new trio Heartland Souvenirs (8 p.m. Icehouse, $22-$28).

Dynamic pricing is finally working in concertgoers’ favor. At least, for the return of the 83-year-old Beatle bassist. It’s hard to argue with his repertoire of Beatles classics, Wings favorites and solo career gems. But maybe fans were turned off by the venue, which is not known for stellar acoustics, or the ticket prices, which originally ran from $275 to $2,200. Well, now, with supply-and-demand pricing, the tickets have dropped to as little as $23 on secondary ticket sites like StubHub, though with dynamic pricing the fare is fluid. (8 p.m. Fri. U.S. Bank Stadium, 401 Chicago Av. S., Mpls. $118 and up, ticketmaster.com)

For her first album in seven years, “Neon Grey Midnight Green,” the hurricane-voiced twang-pop singer incorporated a large string ensemble to help bring out the operatic qualities that have lined her songs ever since her 1997 debut, “The Virginian.” Just as vital as her new music, though, Case is also touring with an acclaimed new memoir, “The Harder I Fight the More I Love You,” which describes a troubled childhood and resilient career path in a way that lends as much drama to her songs as any string section can. She’s touring with Washington, D.C., garage rockers Des Demonas. (8 p.m. First Avenue, 701 1st Av. N., Mpls. $50, axs.com)

Arguably the most celebrated of American-born pianists, Richard Goode is, at age 82, still seeking fresh adventures, including becoming the SPCO’s newest artistic partner. That means he’ll be offering regular opportunities to experience his expertise with chamber music and the piano concertos of Mozart and Beethoven. Two of Mozart’s are on this weekend’s program (Nos. 12 and 14), which also features works by Benjamin Britten and Leoš Janáček. (11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Fri., 7 p.m. Sat., Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington St., St. Paul, $16-$70, students and children free, thespco.org)

Also: Two of Motown’s biggest vocal brands, the revamped Four Tops and the Temptations, who still have original member Otis Williams from 1961, team up once again (8 p.m. Mystic Lake Casino, sold out); with one of his Adele collaborations in the top 10 of Rolling Stone’s new list of the best songs of this century, Dan Wilson of Semisonic fame returns home for a two-night stand under his well-conceived words-and-music solo guise (7:30 p.m. Fri & Sat. Parkway Theater, $50-$85); fun Minneapolis singer/songwriter anni xo’s album release party is doubling as a “queer prom” and has a royal opening lineup with Laamar and Sophie Hiroko (7:30 p.m. Hook & Ladder, $13-$17); Aby Wolf and Laurels String Quartet are pairing up at Berlin nightclub (7:30 p.m., $25-$30); San Diego jazz pianist Adam Wolff returns to Crooners with guest vocalist Rachel Holder (6 p.m. Dunsmore Room, $32.31 and up); throwback crooner Andrew Walesch is back at the Dakota, with drummer Joe Pulice joining the orchestra (7 p.m., $41.95 and up).

Last year, the 2023 NEA Jazz Master saxophonist released his first electronic album with the curious title “Who Killed AI?” The album features Garrett on alto and soprano saxophones teamed with producer/programmer Svoy. There’s a nod to Miles Davis’ “Bitches Brew” on the intense track “Miles Runs the Voodoo” and an unusual take on “My Funny Valentine” with a plaintive saxophone melody backed by a moody, abstract electronica soundscape. However, expect a more traditional jazz performance from the great Garrett when he returns to the Dakota with his combo from his previous project, “Sounds from the Ancestors.” (7 & 9 p.m. the Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., $30-$50, dakotacooks.com)

Also: Local bass master Yohannes Tona from Cory Wong’s band steps out with his world-fusion group (7:30 p.m. Berlin, $20); not to be confused with Goose, who sound like Phish, Brooklyn indie-rock buzz band Geese sounds more like Neutral Milk Hotel (8:30 p.m. Amsterdam Bar & Hall); the Women’s Drum Center concert will feature Taikollaborative, Djembe Diyamu, Women Who Groove, Rhythm Connections and drumHeart (7 p.m. Buetow Music Center Auditorium, Concordia University, St. Paul, $10-$20); Red Gallagher Group, the Kronies and Lake Effect will perform for the 25th annual fundraiser for Northeast Minneapolis Seniors’ Foodshelf (1-3 p.m. Minneapolis Eagles Club, $10).

Born in Ethiopia but raised in the purportedly war-torn, fire-ravaged city of Portland, Ore., rapper Adam Aminé Daniel has developed a rather diehard following and loads of accolades since his madcap single “Caroline” went to No. 11 in the Billboard Hot 100. He still sounds playfully weird and weirdly content on his third album, “13 Months of Sunshine,” which he made under tutelage from SZA/Kendrick collaborator Dahi and a rather unexpected guest appearance by Americana darling Waxahatchee. He’s touring with Seattle hip-hop scenemaker Sango. (7 p.m. the Fillmore, 525 N. 5th St., Mpls., $60, ticketmaster.com)

Also: St. Paul guitar master Dean Magraw and Chicago jazz vocalist Bruce Henry, who spent many years in the Twin Cities, have collaborated over the years but never before on an acoustic duo album, “A New Song,” which they are celebrating (7:30 p.m. Cedar Cultural Center, $27-$32); Buffalo, N.Y.’s favorite jam band Moe is out celebrating its 35th anniversary and, of course, playing a long two-set show (7 p.m. Fitzgerald Theater); piano maven Lori Dokken has put together her Songs by Boys by Girls show in which she, Rachel Holder, Patty Peterson and Judi Vinar interpret tunes by Elton John, Stevie Wonder and other famous guys (5 p.m. Crooners, $37.89 and up); the 10-piece Twin Cities ensemble the Brass Messengers bring their joyful noise outside (7 p.m. Belvedere tent at Crooners, $32.23 and up); Twin Cities favorites Davina & the Vagabonds provide a potent blast of New Orleans-flavored soul and R&B (7 p.m. the Dakota, $47.10 and up); Montreal singer/songwriter Ada Lea is a newcomer on the Bright Eyes-affiliated Saddle Creek Records performing with local sonic wiz Nat Harvie (6:30 p.m. Cloudland Theater, $15).

Since his debut in 1977, this beloved Brit has turned out to be a prolific and consistent music maker, interested in a wide range for styles from new-wave and jazz to country and classical to R&B and pop. Devoted fans might argue that his best era was his early work, including those first few albums “My Aim Is True,” “This Year’s Model” and “Armed Forces.” For his current tour dubbed Radio Soul: The Early Songs of Elvis Costello, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer is mostly playing works from before 1987. That means “Watching the Detectives,” “Pump It Up” and “Alison” along with surprise deep tracks. He’ll be accompanied by the Imposters featuring guitarist Charlie Sexton. (8 p.m. Northrop, 84 Church St. SE., University of Minnesota, Mpls., $57 and up)

The revolutionary jazz keyboardist has won numerous awards including Grammys, an Oscar and, this year, the Polar Music Prize. Now 85, he proved to be a commanding and captivating performer and bandleader last year at the sold-out State Theatre. He returns at a larger venue with a top-notch combo — trumpeter Terence Blanchard, bassist James Genus, guitarist/vocalist Lionel Loueke and drummer Jaylen Petinaud. (7 p.m. Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., $75 and up, ticketmaster.com)

Also: Dee Dee Bridgewater & Bill Charlap, the superb vocalist and pianist, respectively, continue one of jazz’s essential in-concert conversations (7 & 9 p.m. the Dakota, $35.77 and up); viral Mexi-Cali bossa nova pop singer Cuco is on tour for his third album, “Ridin’” (8 p.m. First Ave); cult-loved “magic pipe” player That 1 Guy is back, too (8 p.m. Turf Club).