The big gigs: The Decemberists, Cloud Cult and Minnesota Orchestra

The Portland, Ore., indie-folk darlings don't sound all that folky on their new album, "I'll Be Your Girl," a rocky collection offering echoes of '80s alternative heroes like New Order and the Cure without losing frontman Colin Meloy's unmistakable, bookish songwriting style. Always a surprisingly compelling live band, the group should have some interesting new flourishes as it settles in for two nights at the Palace Theatre in an unofficial tour kickoff. Duluth's inspirational Gaelynn Lea opens both shows. (8 p.m. Fri. & Sat., 17 W. 7th Place, St. Paul, $40, eTix.com.)

While many rock bands have pulled the orchestra card over the years, few are as suitable as the cultishly loved Minnesota/Wisconsin group, whose albums — especially 2016's "The Seeker" — are laden with dramatic string and horn arrangements. As frontman Craig Minowa continues to ponder the great beyond in his songwriting, he will be joined by the great baton wielder Sarah Hicks as conductor with arrangements from Andy Thompson. Truly the makings of something special. (8 p.m. Sat. & 7 p.m. Sun., Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, $30-$65, minnesotaorchestra.org.)

Chris Riemenschneider