Beach House: Even though they added some girth and velocity on their rockier new album "7," Baltimore's ethereal-rock darlings Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally still have to overcome the somber tones of their music and the relative immobility of their stage presences to put on a compelling live performance. They've pulled it off beautifully in previous gig at First Avenue, though — a track record they should easily keep up as they graduate to the club's larger, grander, sister venue, which sold out instantly. Their San Francisco pals in Papercuts open. (9 p.m. Fri., Palace Theatre, 17 W. 7th Place, St. Paul, sold out.)
Deadmau5: Just a half-year into its dramatic makeover, the Armory welcomes one of the biggest names in electronic dance music. The mouseheaded Canadian DJ/producer was last seen in our area playing to about 20,000 fans outside at the Summer Set festival in 2015. He just dropped "mau5ville: level 1," a new collection with his "Ghosts 'n' Stuff" collaborator Rob Swire. (8 p.m. Fri., Armory, Mpls., $55-$100, ticketmaster.com.)
Tina Schlieske: She calls it an evening of torch song and swing. In other words, the Apple Valley-reared rocker returns home to croon — and belt — the songs of Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone, Ray Charles and other legends. Schlieske does it her way, with style and personality. (7 p.m. Fri., Dakota, $30-$38)
The Big Wu Family Reunion: Minnesota's enduring jammers have found another woodsy home for their 18th almost-annual two-day camp-out, and they lined up another eclectic lineup, including legendary Meters bassist George Porter Jr. and his Runnin' Pardners, Stu Allen of Jerry Garcia Band affiliation, White Iron Band, Kung-Fu Hippies, Kind Country, Dean Magraw and more. (Fri. & Sat., Blue Ribbons Pines, East Bethel, $50-$150, bigwufamilyreunion.com.)
Ace Frehley: The founding guitarist of Kiss isn't performing, but he is hitting a local stage. He will take part in two "storyteller" events with local photographer Tommy Sommers, each followed by meet-and-greets with fans. The ol' Space Ace sure does have stories, too. (7 & 9 p.m. Fri., New Hope Cinema Grill, $29-$149, fanhqstore.com.)
Shelby Lynne: The downbeat alt-country singer-songwriter offers painful, penetrating tunes, lightened by between-song conversation. Last year, she teamed with her sister Allison Moorer on "Not Dark Yet," a remarkable collection of sad songs by Bob Dylan, Jessi Colter and Townes Van Zandt made even sadder with their sisterly harmonies. (8 p.m. Sat., Cedar Cultural Center, $35-$45. )
Bad Bad Hats: Macalester grads Kerry Alexander and Chris Hoge and their catchy, bright-eyed pop-rock band graduate to their first mainroom headlining show to mark the release of sophomore album "Lightning Round," already earning national press and radio play. Scrunchies and Jessica Manning open. (9 p.m. Sat., First Avenue, $15.)
Smashing Pumpkins: "Go big, or go home," seems to be the mantra frontman Billy Corgan is following on his first tour in 16 years with most of the original members of his grandiose '90s alt-rock band, including guitarist James Iha and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. Prior stops have lasted three hours with 30-plus songs, including all of the Pumpkins' biggest hits plus cover versions of a handful of rock's all-time smashes. Bring ear plugs and maybe a couple energy bars for stamina. Emily Haines' edgy synth-pop band Metric opens. (7 p.m. Sun., Xcel Energy Center, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., $27-$125, ticketmaster.com.)