Not too tender

There is some strength undergirding the delicacy of Stacey Kent's voice that is just right for the coy and supple balladry of Brazil and the Great American Songbook. Kent will sample songs off her 2015 disc, "Tenderly," and perhaps a few tracks from a new album, due in September, on this two-night, four-set engagement. Her superb quartet includes her saxophonist husband, Jim Tomlinson, and pianist Art Hirahara. (7 and 9 p.m., Wed. and Thu., Dakota, Mpls.; $30-$45, dakota cooks.com)

Midwestern daughter

The JazzMN Orchestra may have saved its best concert of the 2016-17 season for last by bringing in the foremost orchestral jazz composer of our time, Minnesota native Maria Schneider, as resident guest for one week. JazzMN executive director Doug Snapp kicks off the program with a set including the debut of trumpeter/composer Adam Meckler's "The Tao of Heavy D." Then Schneider takes the baton for songs ranging from "Wyrgly" (1992) to "Walking by Flashlight" (2015), specially arranged for this local ensemble. (7:30 p.m. Sat., Hopkins High School, $31-$37, $10-$20 for students, jazzmn.org)

Weaving traditions

Bobb Fantauzzo examines the roots of jazz in unexpected ways with his arrangements of music by American Indian jazz artists. Lyz Jaakola of the Fond du Lac Band of the Lake Superior Ojibwe lends traditional Anishinaabe vocals and percussion to a performance of these works, while Fantauzzo plays his special American Indian-style flutes. High-profile local jazz musicians including bassist Jeff Bailey, pianist Javi Santiago and his drummer-father Mac Santiago round out the ensemble. (2 p.m. Sun., Minnesota History Center, St. Paul; $10-$20, mnhs.org)

Showbiz masters

John Pizzarelli is a showbiz natural. He grew up watching his father, Bucky Pizzarelli, carve out a distinctive niche as a jazz guitarist and vocalist. He eventually became a better singer than his father and nearly Bucky's equal on guitar. He co-hosts a marvelous radio show, Radio Deluxe, with his wife, Jessica Molaskey (heard Sundays on Jazz 88). And he knows how to refresh the essence of timeworn tunes, from Tin Pan Alley to Paul McCartney. (6 and 8 p.m. Sun., Dakota, Mpls.; $25-$45, dakotacooks.com)

Britt Robson