The Big Gigs

POP/ROCK This is the time of year when things usually wind down for him, but Mason Jennings' annual return to First Avenue finds the singer/songwriter gearing up for two self-released albums. One is a recording of last year's homecoming show: "Live at First Ave" captures the finale to his "electric" tour behind 2009's studio record "Blood of Man." The other new collection, "The Flood," features 15 "lost" songs that Jennings re-recorded from demo tapes, some of them rediscovered when his father cleaned out his basement. Dad deserves a producer credit for that one, especially after the disc debuted at No. 1 on iTunes' singer/songwriter chart last week. Jennings will have his band with him for both shows. Juno Award-winning Canadian folkie Sarah Harmer is a great fit to open. (7 p.m. Sat.-Sun., First Avenue. 18 & older. $22-$25.) (C.R.)

While several of its noisemaking peers from the early-'90s Twin Cities scene reunited this summer for Amphetamine Reptile's 25th anniversary bash, Arcwelder had gone out to Chicago several years earlier to play the silver birthday for Touch & Go Records, which issued four of its albums, filing them alongside the likes of Shellac and the Jesus Lizard. The craftily powerful power trio still offers a hometown show or two per year, just enough to be missed. (10 p.m. Sat., 7th Street Entry. $6.) (C.R.)

The newly invigorated Wild Tymes, now booked by former First Avenue manager Steve McClellan, has an interesting four-band bill Saturday. The Chinch Bugs -- three females and "The Sexman" on drums -- start the night off with witty, tuneful, gently subversive pop, complete with occasional oboe. Then come the rollicking Monica & the Molecules with the Caveman on keys and Fancy Ray McCloney as guest emcee. The Molecules are playing their final show before a one-year hiatus. Pop-punk pleasers Superman Curl are next, with the Rank Strangers closing the show. (8 p.m. Sat., Wild Tymes, 33 W. 7th Pl., St. Paul. No cover.) (T.S.)

For its annual Jingle Ball at Target Center, KDWB has lined up a parade of hot hitmakers, none of whom is a legit arena attraction. Chart-toppers B.o.B. ("Nothin' on You," "Airplanes") and Taio Cruz ("Break Your Heart," "Dynamite") return from KD's Star Party in May. Also on board are Latin heartthrob Enrique Iglesias, piano popster Sara Bareilles ("Love Song," "King of Anything"), Disney star Selena Gomez, one-hit wonder Mike ("Cool Than Me") Posner, Ke$ha collaborators 3OH!3 and the Ready Set, a one-man band discovered by Pete Wentz. (6:30 p.m. Mon., Target Center. Advance tickets sold out but listen to 101.3 FM for giveaways.) (J.B.)

About time. Since Broken Bells' one and only record came out nine months ago and didn't maintain its initial buzz, folks might need a primer on who's even in the band: It's the "Strawberry Fields"-flavored side project of Shins singer James Mercer and production wiz Brian Burton, aka Danger Mouse of Gnarls Barkley fame. Their kaleidoscopic pop flowed beautifully under the stars during South by Southwest but dried up in broad daylight at the Austin City Limits Festival. An up-close wintery gig inside First Ave will likely fall somewhere in between. They've been rounding out their set lists with a couple of way-cool cover songs. Quirky Chicago openers Maps & Atlases issued an impressive debut on Barsuk Records in June. (8:30 p.m. Mon., First Avenue. 18 & older. $29.50.) (C.R.)

Last seen opening for Grammy-winning banjo man Steve Martin at the Orpheum, the all-star avant-bluegrass Punch Brothers dazzle on disc and wow in concert. It's not just the fast picking, high-lonesome vocals and imaginative repertoire (covers of Radiohead, the Strokes and the White Stripes), but it's the too-hip-for-the-room humor. Frontman Chris Thile is a first-class cut-up as well as a mandolin virtuoso. (8 p.m. Wed., Fine Line, $21.50-$25.) (J.B.)

Now that iTunes is Beatles-approved and the group has its own "Rock Star" video game, Curtiss A's John Lennon Tribute will have to be better tailored to all the younger fans who might start showing up alongside the old faithfuls -- you know, the regulars who wouldn't even let a wicked snowstorm keep them away a few years ago. For starters, kids' attentions span could never withstand the three-hours-plus of tunes, so let's lose all the cool nuggets rarely heard in other Fab Four tribute events like "Baby You're a Rich Man" and "Happiness Is a Warm Gun." Maybe ditch "Give Me Some Truth," "John Sinclair" and other songs with pre-Obama political references, too. And what's with Curt's oversized backing band sounding so rehearsed and on top of the material? Not cool, dudes. A couple of younger bands, Communist Daughter and Total Babe, will perform during Curt's break to promote the excellent new charity CD, "Minnesota Beatle Project, Vol. 2." This year's 31st annual show falls on the 30th anniversary of Lennon's slaying. (7:30 p.m. Wed., First Avenue. 18 & older. $13.) (C.R.)

Insane Clown Posse cohorts Twiztid are back with their "horrorcore" brand of metallic rap. The ghoulish-looking, makeup-wearing Michigan duo sets domestic-violence awareness back a step or two with its latest album, "Heartbroken & Homicidal." Ontario rap/rock band MicLordz & Sauce Funky opens. (6 p.m. Thu., First Avenue. All ages. $22.50.) (C.R.)

HOLIDAY Veteran music director Anita Ruth leads a group of six twentysomethings in "On Our Own," the latest revue from the new ensemble Neo Cabaret. This collection of contemporary cabaret songs by young singers and songwriters, mostly new to Twin Cities' audiences, aims to explore these young singers' search for "home." Sometimes funny, nostalgic and sad, but ultimately hopeful, this is a different look at the season and a nice alternative to more sentimental holiday events. (Fri.- Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Thu.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., $16-$18, 952-563-8575.) (W.R.B.)

For 25 years, Chip Davis, the producer/songwriter behind the 1975 hit "Convoy," has been presenting Mannheim Steamroller Christmas pageants. This year, he has two touring productions that are visiting theaters instead of the arenas of old. Rest assured, it will still be a fancy light-and-slide show with the same old classical-meets-rock music, the holiday juggernaut that has sold 23 million albums. (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Orpheum, $43-$63.) (J.B.)

For the second consecutive year, the Blenders, who made their name as an a cappella quartet, have enlisted a backup band for their annual holiday tour of the Upper Midwest. Expect harmonies, humor and creativity when Ryan Lance, Tim Casper and the Rust brothers, Darren and Allan, offer their 20th annual Christmas concerts. (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sun., Pantages, $37.) (J.B.)

For their annual "Welcome Christmas" concerts, the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers are joined by the acclaimed Twin Cities Bronze handbell choir to unveil this year's Christmas Carol Contest winners. The program also revisits holiday favorites and includes the traditional sing-along. Earlier this year, VocalEssence surveyed its audience about their favorite carols, and the six winners will also be featured. (7:30 p.m. Sat., Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd., Apple Valley; 4 p.m. Sun. & Dec. 12, Plymouth Congregational Church, 1919 LaSalle Av., Mpls.; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Normandale Lutheran Church, 6100 Normandale Rd., Edina; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 N. 4th St., Stillwater. $10-$40. 612-371-5656.) (W.R.B.)

Fresh from singing the national anthem at Sunday's Vikings game, Minneapolis piano popster Keri Noble will shift gears for her holiday show. With her band, she'll do some traditional fare, special covers (Joni Mitchell's "River") and such originals as "Winter Comes Again" and "Santa, You Owe Me." (7 & 9:30 p.m. Thu., Varsity, $21.50). (J.B.)

HIP-HOP/R&B Miami sexpot rapper Trina has issued several memorable singles over the past decade -- or at least their titles are memorable, including "No Panties" and "Da Baddest Bitch." Her new album, "Amazin'," made a small splash over the summer with the lead single "Million Dollar Girl," featuring Diddy and Keri Hilson. She's coming to Minneapolis to celebrate her 32nd birthday with help from "Southside" and "Get It Shawty" singer Lloyd. (10 p.m. Fri., Epic. 18 & older. $30-$60.) (C.R.)

Another young YouTube sensation from the Twin Cities -- one who could actually be poised to have a legit career -- 17-year-old rapper 50 Tyson will make his first big public outing via the "The Rhythm of Autism," an awareness concert for the disorder that the headliner himself battles. Weirdly, though, most of 50 Tyson's classmates at Minneapolis Edison High School will be too young to get into this 18-and-up show. Organized by ex-Timberwolves guard Troy Hudson's Hudson Records, the event is an intrastate affair also featuring 50 Cent cohort DJ Whoo Kid from New York, Los Angeles' DJ Rell, Florida rapper Supa Chino and sexy Philly starlet Monique Moy. (8 p.m. Tue., First Avenue. 18 & older. $10-$15.) (C.R.)

COUNTRY Is Uncle Kracker country, pop or hick-hop? Well, he's done duets with Kenny Chesney and Kid Rock, and scored one of the biggest country hits of the year ("Smile") on his own. Next year, Detroit's most unlikely crossover star will hit the stadium circuit with Chesney; meanwhile, he's heading to the honky tonks for his first bona fide country tour. (9 p.m. Thu., Toby Keith's. $20.) (J.B.)

JAZZ Known around town as a hard bop trumpeter, Jon Pemberton shows off his other talents -- piano playing and composing -- on the fine new trio CD "On the Edge." Its eight impressive originals sound better with every listen. Toss in two tunes by Pemberton's mentor Bobby Peterson and the gorgeous "Monk's Mood" played solo, and this disc proves there's plenty of life left in the classic piano trio format, especially when the rhythm section has the empathy and taste of drummer Jay Epstein and bassist Gary Raynor. At this weekend's CD release party, globe-trotter Billy Peterson replaces Raynor, who's in New York with "A Prairie Home Companion." (9 p.m Fri.-Sat., Artists' Quarter. $10.) (T.S.)

A big blessing and a little curse, Ravi Coltrane's doubly famous name always brings in crowds. And they are rarely disappointed by his forceful, thoughtful sax playing, or his terrific, seasoned and constant touring band. Venezuelan pianist Luis Perdomo is an unsung marvel, and it's immediately obvious why bassist Drew Gress is one of the busiest sidemen in jazz. Young drummer E.J. Strickland completes the fiery quartet. (7 & 9:30 p.m. Mon.-Tue., Dakota Jazz Club. $20-$35.) (T.S.)

To put an exclamation point on its 25th anniversary celebration, the Dakota Jazz Club welcomes back the first national act to ever play the venue: piano giant McCoy Tyner. Making history since his days in the Jazztet and the seminal John Coltrane Quartet, Tyner remains a commanding soloist and compelling composer. His band this visit features sax great Gary Bartz, excellent bassist Gerald Cannon and a familiar Twin Cities face on drums, the always potent Eric Kamau Gravatt. (7 & 9:30 p.m. Wed.-Thu., Dakota Jazz Club. $30-$50.) (T.S.)