Dawes: The locally beloved Los Angeles band of "That Western Skyline" notoriety has fully transformed from a rootsy Americana ensemble to a slicker, '80s-flavored pop/rock act over the past two albums — so much so that some songs on the latest LP, "Password," might be mistaken for outtakes from the "St. Elmo's Fire" soundtrack. Whichever their preference, fans can expect plenty of old and new songs at this lengthier "evening with" concert, no opener. (8 p.m. Fri., Palace Theater, $40.)
Genital Panic: Her hometown Twin Cities fans have long known how well Tina Schlieske of Tina & the B-Sides fame can rev up a rock club, but they've never heard her hit the throttle as hard as she does in her new Austin, Texas-reared feminist punk band. Openly inspired by menopause, artist Valie Export and the politics of the day, the group debuted to roaring approval at the SXSW music fest in March. They're making their local debut timed to the release of their debut EP, with a Trump-inspired title — rhymes with "Lucy Nabber" — and ultra-angsty songs that will truly grab you. Zoo Animal's Holly Hansen and American Housewife open. (8:30 p.m. Sat., 7th Street Entry, 701 1st Av. N., Mpls., $12-$15, first-avenue.com.)
Buffalo Tom: One of the best melodic alt-rock acts of the early-'90s, the Boston trio landed a minor hit with "Taillights Fade" but was for the most part lost to the grungier flavor of the day. Frontman Bill Janovitz is back on tour with the original lineup and their first album in seven years, "Quiet and Peace." (8 p.m. Fri., Varsity Theater, $25.)
Gary Clark Jr.: Another year, another upgrade in venue size, and yet another sold-out Twin Cities gig by the fiery Texas bluesman, who has received decent airplay on 89.3 the Current but has otherwise built his local following the old-fashioned way: with an amazing live performance. He's been hard at work on a purportedly "dark" new album but is back on the road playing pretty nearly the same set list he did before. At least having him outdoors will be a nice change of pace this time. Texas trio Think No Think opens. (6:30 p.m. Sat., Surly Festival Field, 520 Malcolm Av. S., Mpls., sold out.)
Toby Keith: Usually accustomed to playing festivals, fairs and casinos, this red Solo cup-toasting country stalwart returns for a more intimate outdoor show on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. An equal opportunity rabble rouser, he's never afraid to speak his mind, especially in an election year. (7 p.m. Sat. Wayzata Beach Bash, $65-$195)
Prof: It's the fifth year Minneapolis' madcap, razor-tongued wordsmith rapper is hosting his own big outdoor bash next to the Cabooze. There's extra momentum this year in the form of his latest Rhymesayers album "Pookie Baby," a record that at once shows a more serious side while also channeling the usual amount of insanity. There's also another wild mix of openers, including Kevin Durant's least-favorite rapper Lil B, Chicago's Montana of 300 and locals Mac Irv and Cashinova. (4 p.m. Sat., Cabooze Plaza, all ages, $25-$30.)
5 Seconds of Summer: The Aussie boy band that dared to play its own instruments is defying the odds again by maintaining an admirable amount of success. Though the Armory is a step down in size from Xcel Center, where the lads played in 2015, it promises to be a packed and rowdy setting as the quartet returns promoting its third album "Youngblood," the title track from which earned Top 40 airplay with its Maroon 5-like groove. (7 p.m. Sun., the Armory, 600 S. 5th St., Mpls., all ages, $47, ticketmaster.com.)
Bruno Mars: We're the second city on this second North American leg of his 212-concert 24K Magic World Tour. It'll probably be pretty much the same show as last summer, which was a pop-soul thriller by the most well-rounded pop-music figure since Prince. Charlie Wilson opens. (8 p.m. Tue.-Wed. Xcel Energy Center, $59.50 and up)
