Bayfront Blues Festival
Now in its 31st year, this three-day Duluth event emphasizes quality live acts over big names. Friday's headliner Bobby Rush, the 85-year-old Blues Hall of Famer who won his first Grammy in 2017, has worked with Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed and many other greats. Headlining Saturday is Serbian-born blues guitar sensation Ana Popovic, while the Kentucky Headhunters, those veteran Southern rockers with a flair for humorous country tunes, close out Sunday's activities. Among the many other performers are Ken Valdez, Sena Ehrhardt & Cole Allen, Joyann Parker, Lamont Cranston and Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. (11 a.m. Fri.-Sun. Bayfront Festival Park, Harbor Dr. & S. 5th Av. W., Duluth, $45-$119, bayfrontblues.com)
JON BREAM
Lady Midnight
The dog days of summer seem like the perfect time for this Twin Cities neo-R&B singer to release her rhythmically chill but musically and lyrically sultry debut solo album, "Death Before Morning." After her attention-grabbing collaborations with P.O.S. and Bon Iver, the full-length LP confirms her unique ability to deliver ethereal, soothing vocals with deep soul and power, with traces of Sadé and even Nina Simone over modern, innovative electronic grooves. It also nods to her Afro-indigenous roots along with a strong visual component via both music videos and her live show. Ziyad, Boo Boo and DJ Keezy will help her celebrate. (9 p.m. Fri., Turf Club, 1601 W. University Av., St. Paul, $12-$15, eTix.com.)
CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
