The Claudettes
Twin Cities-bred vocalist Berit Ulseth returns home to celebrate the release of her Chicago-based group's third studio album, "Dance Scandal at the Gymnasium." Helmed by Black Keys producer Mark Neill, the recording is another alluringly idiosyncratic mélange of blues, jazz, pop, rockabilly, punk and soul with a sometimes noirish vibe ("Don't Stay With Me," "November") and a sometimes kinetic kick ("Influential Farmers," "Taco Night Material") — or both (the title track). Ulseth has the right blend of mysteriousness and sweetness for this material, which is skillfully spiked by veteran Johnny Iguana's versatile and enthusiastic keyboards. (7 p.m. Fri. Dakota Jazz Club, $30-$35, dakotacooks.com)
Jon Bream
Mason Jennings
Keeping tabs on the already-private indie-folk stalwart has been especially hard in recent years as he struggled through some personal turmoil and scaled back on touring, but there's no mistaking the familiar, warm sound on his new album, "Songs From When We Met." Songs like "Race You to the Light" and "Under Control" reflect the joy of a new marriage and triumph over midlife crises while harking back to the bright, hopeful, happy strummer who started a 400 Bar residency 20 years ago, even with some tasteful musical layering by his cohorts of late, the Pines. Seattle's Sera Cahoone opens Jennings' two hometown release parties. (8 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Av. S., $30-$35, eTix.com)
Chris Riemenschneider
