MUSIC
The Jayhawks
After rocking out at the Palace and First Ave in recent years for their long-standing hometown year-end gig, Gary Louris and his merrily rolling-on crew decided to offer their faithful audience something more unique and intimate this year — and treat them all to seats, too. The Minnesota alt-twang/Americana pioneers are stripping down to a semi-acoustic format over two nights, a style captured on 2002’s “Live From the Women’s Club” album, now a fan-loved collectible. Sadly, the band’s longtime pal Matthew Sweet had to cancel as the opener after suffering a stroke, but standing in is another cult-loved songwriter from the Plains, “Bad Reputation” singer Freedy Johnston. (7:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul, $45, axs.com)
CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
Alicia Witt
If you watch Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel, you know Alicia Witt. She’s starred in 10 of those oh-so-predictable holiday romances. Or maybe you know Witt from this year’s thriller “Longlegs” or her recurring roles on the TV series “Cybill” and “Nashville” or her stint last year on “The Masked Singer.” The piano-playing actor has maintained a music career on the side. Ben Folds produced her first album and Jacquire King helmed her sophomore effort. This year, Witt self-released “I Think I’m Spending Christmas With You” featuring seasonal chestnuts and a few originals, including the playful “Weird Time of Year,” the dreamy “You’re Gonna See This Tree” and the artificial “Soap Suds Snow.” She concludes her 12-city holiday tour in Minneapolis. (7 p.m. Mon., the Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., $30-$40, dakotacooks.com)
JON BREAM
Ashley DuBose
Fresh off a spirited turn in the New Standards’ holiday shows that reminded folks she’s one of Minnesota’s greatest R&B singers of the day, St. Paul native DuBose is putting her own playful spin on the seasonal concert formula. The former NBC “The Voice” contestant, who also has sung with Dessa and been a mainstay of the hip-hop scene, is unveiling her “Jingle Bell Jukebox,” featuring a wide range of modern and classic tunes and — like those TNS shows — unnamed surprise guests. ShaVunda and DJ Digie will open. (7:30 p.m. Wed., Icehouse, 2528 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., $18-$25, icehousempls.com)
C.R.
Rachael & Vilray
You have to appreciate the dedication of this duo, not just for cleverly crafting original material in the style of ‘30s and ‘40s jazz. They were supposed to entertain at the Dakota in February, but Rachael Price took ill at the last moment, so guitarist/singer Vilray Bolles gallantly performed without her. Now Price, whose main gig is with Lake Street Dive, and Bolles will make good, squeezing in a two-night Minneapolis stand before going home for the holidays. Then they take to the road again in January to showcase material from their two albums, 2019’s “Rachael & Vilray” and 2023’s “I Love a Love Song” featuring the striking “Hate Is the Basis (of Love).” (6:30 & 8:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat., the Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., $35-$55, dakotacooks.com)
J.B.