POP/ROCK Trying to be a U.S. answer to the Beatles, the made-for-TV Monkees became known as the Prefab Four. The quartet managed to score a string of infectious hits -- penned by such writing giants as Carole King and Neil Diamond -- and remain forever etched in the minds of baby boomers. Three-fourths of the original quartet -- Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz -- do periodic reunion tours. If you're still a believer, celebrate the Monkees' 45th anniversary this weekend. Organizers say the shows will go on if there's a government shutdown. (7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Minnesota Zoo, $65-$77.50.) Jon Bream
Jessica Lea Mayfield has been building indie-rock cred for years. Three years ago at age 18, the bluegrass-reared alt-country singer, who once sang backup for the Black Keys, released her debut full-length, produced by the Keys' Dan Auerbach, and wound up landing songs on "Gossip Girl" and "CSI: NY" while opening tours for the Keys, Avett Brothers and Ray LaMontagne. Auerbach also produced her second disc, 2011's more polished "Tell Me," another dark, moody rumination on heartache. (8 p.m. Fri., Varsity Theater, $12. 18 & older.) Bream
In March, Austin, Texas-based modern-folk hero Bill Callahan dropped his fourth album, "Apocalypse," since abandoning the Smog moniker he operated under since the early '90s. On the single "America!" he evokes the greats with a Cashian twang and Guthrie-like angst. Callahan's unmistakable deep baritone, cold delivery and dark disposition make him folk music's most distinct man of mystery. (8 p.m. Fri., Cedar Cultural Center. $15. All ages.) Michael Rietmulder
It's a good thing Dan Israel finished his latest album, "Crosstown Traveler," before summer road construction began, or else we might have gotten something much more Rage Against the Machine-like. Based on the St. Louis Park songwriting vet's daily commute to his day job in St. Paul -- and, more broadly, the crossroads of being a 40-year-old dad and musician -- "Traveler" sounds compellingly level-headed and contemplative as Israel finds optimism in the daily grind. "Just get in the car and drive it / Throw the pain off somewhere," he sings in "Never to Be Found," one of the many offering his usual Hiatt/Costello/Dylan vibe. Among the standouts is the Randy Newman-styled piano anthem "I'll Get Along," which I'd pitch for the next heart-tugging Pixar movie. Slim Dunlap and Terry Walsh open this release party. (9 p.m. Sat., Aster Cafe, $8). Chris Riemenschneider
Alejandro Escovedo just played a starring role in the "United Sounds of America: Austin" showcase at Chicago's Orchestra Hall and then headed to Milwaukee's Summerfest, so you might call his Twin Cities date a rare club gig this time around. Last year's "Street Sounds of Love" was another inspired album of Bowie/Velvets-style rockers from the Tex-Mex songwriting hero, who's equally adept at elegant folk ballads, country barnstormers and everything else that made him into an Austin music icon. (9 p.m. Sat., Fine Line. $20.) Riemenschneider
A band you maybe forgot that you were missing, Urge Overkill swiftly reminds '90s alt-rock fans of its stylish, smart, semi-sleazy sound on its first new album in 16 years, "Rock & Roll Submarine." The Chicago trio -- now a quartet, with co-founder Earl "King" Rosser back in the fold -- may be best remembered for its well-orchestrated cover of Neil Diamond's "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon" on the "Pulp Fiction" soundtrack, but their Butch Vig and Steve Albini-produced heyday albums were loaded with plenty of their own diamonds. Local sci-fi freaks Maudlin open. (7:30 p.m. Sat., First Avenue. $15.) Riemenschneider
After winning three Grammys and selling out two nights at First Ave last time around -- absolutely mind-blowing shows, by the way -- the Black Keys deservedly make the leap to a bigger room on the victory lap behind their thoroughly electrifying breakthrough album, "Brothers." The Ohio blues-punk duo now faces the daunting acoustical challenge that is the Wilkins. Their expanded four-piece lineup has been tearing up festivals of late, so they can probably handle this. Kentucky-reared openers Cage the Elephant, also in near-breakout mode with their sophomore album, are great live if you can handle the singer's voice for an entire set. (7:30 p.m. Sun., Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Sold out.) Riemenschneider
Rilo Kiley co-founder Blake Sennett's plan to retire from music didn't exactly send a shock wave through the industry, but it did seemingly add a little extra zeal now that he's back with his solo vehicle, the Elected, which has a new Mike Mogis-produced disc on Vagrant Records, "Bury Me in the Rings." Nashville-based opener Tristen is starting to ripple through the industry with her debut, which just earned her an artist-to-watch nod from Spin. (9 p.m. Sun., Triple Rock. 18 & older. $12.) Riemenschneider
