Festival Palomino
Well-received in its debut last September with a much more modest lineup, this one-day horse-track bash from headlining hosts Trampled by Turtles and First Avenue is off to the races with its rootsy/Americana-flavored bookings this year. Two acts that local audiences can't seem to get enough of, rowdy Philly sextet Dr. Dog and Los Angeles' soul- and chest-baring messiah figure Father John Misty, will join the fast-picking Trampled crew alongside at least one act we could certainly stand to see more of: British folkie Laura Marling, who's touring with a backing band for the first time. Benjamin Booker, Calexico, Shakey Graves, Lydia Loveless and the Lowest Pair also perform. (Sept. 19, Canterbury Park, Shakopee. $60, FestivalPalomino.com)
Beach House
Instead of moving up to a theater or auditorium as it's doing in most other cities, the cult-loved Baltimore synth-pop duo instead opted to play two nights at our fabled local rock club. Singer Victoria Legrand's enchanting, bittersweet voice helped make their last show there in 2012 extra mesmerizing and memorable despite the somber, standstill, wool-blanket qualities that define their music, including the new Sub Pop album, "Depression Cherry." This one's for the dreamers, not the dancers. (Sept. 22-23, First Avenue, 701 1st Av. N., Mpls. $25; first show is sold out. First-Avenue.com)
Lianne La Havas
Her 2012 debut album was endorsed by Prince. In fact, he had the British folk-soul vocalist sing on his "Art Official Age" album last year; she also was heard on records by Alt J and Tourist. Her just-issued sophomore recording, "Blood," is more ambitious, featuring production by Paul Epworth (Adele, U2, Lorde), Mark Batson (Eminem, Grace Potter, Nas) and Disclosure's Howard Lawrence. Receiving airplay on 89.3 the Current, the disc is an alluring marriage of soul and electronica, a big step forward from her debut. The 25-year-old could be one of this year's breakthrough artists. (Oct. 6, Varsity Theater, 1308 SE. 4th St., Mpls. $26-$55, ticketfly.com)
Madonna
She went 25 years, six tours and nine studio albums between her two most recent Twin Cities performances. Ah, who's counting? Now, Madonna's coming back — only three years after her last concert here. Her Rebel Heart Tour is promoting the album of the same name, which features collaborations with Diplo, Avicii and Kanye West. The tour opened Wednesday in Montreal. Here's hoping that Madge works out the kinks in the first 10 concert dates and that the show isn't as gratuitously violent as her last tour. (Oct. 8, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul. $42.50-$357.50, ticketmaster.com)
The Who
We won't have to get fooled again by The Who, who are doing their last tour. Actually, it's just The Two — guitarist Pete Townshend and singer Roger Daltrey and various sidemen. The hits-heavy trek, which started last year, is billed as The Who Hits 50 Tour in honor of the British band's 50th anniversary. Three years ago when The Two did "Quadrophenia" in its entirety at Target Center, Daltrey looked marvelous but didn't sound in vintage form, while Townshend was his usual wired, windmill self. Rock Hall of Famer Joan Jett opens. (Oct. 10, Target Center, Mpls. $39.50-$139.50, axs.com)