Sat. music picks: Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson

8 p.m. • Mystic Lake • sold out

Nelson does not slow down. Last year, he released two albums — a holiday disc and "Band of Brothers," a strong collection of nine new originals that debuted at No. 1 on the country chart, his best debut in 28 years. Last week, at age 82, the American music treasure published his second autobiography, "It's a Long Story: My Life," cowritten with David Ritz, autobiography co-author to the stars, including Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin. Reviews indicate that it's entertaining but not overly revealing. In March, Nelson announced his own brand of marijuana: Willie's Reserve. Jon Bream

Kodaline

7:30 p.m. • Varsity Theater • all ages • sold out

Despite critical shrugs, Kodaline's commitment to Coldplay-esque rafter reaching and heartstring tugging keeps accumulating them fans. After last year's 7th Street Entry gig was moved to First Ave's Mainroom, the Irish pop-rockers return to a sold-out Varsity on the heels of their melodramatic sophomore album, "Coming Up for Air." The foursome's new record drips with sweeping, teary hooks, star-spangled cuddle anthems and mushy platitudes of the "You make my whole world feel so right" variety. Ah, yeah, girl. Dublin singer-songwriter Gavin James opens. Michael Rietmulder

Billy Joel

Joel hasn't recorded an album of new pop songs since Bill Clinton's first year in the White House. The Rock Hall of Famer's songs — like those of Frankie Valli, Abba and Queen — have been made into a jukebox Broadway musical. After playing one night a month in Madison Square Garden for the past year, the semiretired piano man has hit the road again — without Elton John, his touring partner of late. Joel's return to Target Center — where he opened the arena in 1990 — will be his first solo Twin Cities appearance since 2007. J.B.

Holychild

9 p.m. • Triple Rock • 18-plus • $10