Chris Brown: Like R. Kelly, Breezy is controversial, from the way he treats women (including his ex, Rihanna) to how often he cancels tours. But the slick dancing, sweet singing hitmaker behind "Kiss Kiss" and "Deuces" keeps putting out records (his digital-only "Before Da Trap: Nights in Tarzana" drops on April 29). Will fans show up for his first Twin Cities arena appearance in years? Opening are Fabolous, O.T. Genasis and Kap G. Opener 50 Cent already bailed out. (7:30 p.m. Sun. Xcel Energy Center, tickets start at $29.95, ticketmaster.com)

Tift Merritt: This Americana ace from North Carolina should be better known. This year's "Stitch of the World" is her sixth consecutive winning album. With a voice that's equal parts Dolly and Emmylou, she sings with a backwoods purity about heartbreak and resilience. Among the standout numbers are the classic piano ballad "Heartache Is an Uphill Climb," which sounds like a vintage Linda Ronstadt hit, and the let's-try-harder "Wait for Me," one of three heart-stirring duets with Iron and Wine's Sam Beam, who coproduced the album. Featured on the album is Minneapolis-bred guitarist Eric Heywood, who is Merritt's romantic partner. (8 p.m. Sat. the Cedar, $16-$18, thecedar.org)

Keith Sweat: The new jack swing innovator known for the 1980s-'90s hits "I Want Her" and "Freak Me," headlines an R&B oldies package, a trend that seems to be en vogue these days. Also on this bill are K-Ci and JoJo, the Jodeci brothers (who are remembered for "You Bring Me Up" and "Last Night's Letter"), vocal group 112 of "Peaches and Cream" fame, and Ginuwine, who rode "Pony" to the top of the R&B charts in 1996. (8 p.m. Fri. Target Center, Mpls. $52-$125, axs.com)

Isley Brothers: At 75, Ron Isley, aka Mr. Big, still has the seductive voice and dapper presence, and Ernie Isley plays thrilling guitar on "That Lady" and "Summer Breeze." This show will make you wanna "Shout," which was the Isleys' first hit back in 1959. (8 p.m. Fri. Mystic Lake, $39-$59.)

John Sebastian: Don't dismiss him as the man behind the cheesy "Welcome Back" because he was also the voice of all those great Lovin' Spoonful hits including "Summer in the City" and "Do You Believe in Magic." And he's a darn good harmonica player, who played on the Doors' "Roadhouse Blues" and CSNY's "Deja Vu." (7 p.m. Fri. Dakota, $35-$50.)

Marvin Gaye tribute: Some of the Twin Cities finest including Ray Covington, Jay Bee, Lynval Jackson and Erica West will get it on at this 21st annual salute to the late, great soul star. (9:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Bunkers, $10-$15.)

Roma di Luna: Now that old wounds have healed enough for the members of this locally beloved folk-come-soul-rock band to play a reunion show, they're doing it to try to heal the earth. Ex-spouses Channy Leaneagh and Alexei Casselle have only broadened their musical palettes, she as the leader of the internationally buzzed-about electro-rock band Polica and he as the booming-voiced wordsmith Crescent Moon from Kill the Vultures and Mixed Blood Majority. The other band members have been involved with other acts, including Fraea, the Pines and Romantica. The show benefits Honor the Earth. (8 p.m. Fri., Cedar Cultural Center, sold out.)

Elvin Bishop: He fooled around and fell in love with a pop hit in 1976 but Bishop is a bluesman to the core, a Paul Butterfield veteran who has a ton of fun with his versatile new trio. (7 & 9:30 p.m. Sat. Dakota, $35-$50.)

Margo Price: On last year's winning "Midwest Farmer's Daughter," this newcomer sounds like the daughter of the country's coal miner's daughter. Price has the spirit and spunk of Loretta Lynn but she brings contemporary sensibilities to singing about traditional themes. (9 p.m. Sat. First Avenue, $25.)

Maria Schneider: The Grammy-grabbing jazz composer/arranger/bandleader steps away from her New York orchestra to be the featured guest as JazzMN Orchestra wraps up its season. (7:30 p.m. Sat. Hopkins High School Auditorium, $10-$37, jazzmn.org/tickets )

Kimberly Michaels: Best known as one of the lead singers in R Factor, she is celebrating the release of her self-titled debut. Addressing her life as a Korean-born adoptee, she emphasizes positive messages set to 1990s-sounding pop-soul that evokes Janet Jackson. Michaels can get jazzy, and she takes listeners to church on the final two tracks, "Who's Child Am I" and "A Child of God." (6 & 8:30 p.m. Sun. Southern Theatre, $20.)

Dave Mason: A former member of Traffic and a solo star, he's a top-notch guitarist and a smirk-inducing humorist. Wonder if his hits "Feelin' Alright" and "We Just Disagree" will seem diametrically opposed in today's divisive world? (7:30 p.m. Thu. Cedar, $45-$190.)

Jonatha Brooke: The well-traveled Boston singer-songwriter moved to Minneapolis in time for the holidays and she's quickly plugged into a community of Minnesota musicians. She vows to have different local players join her every time during a residency at the Dakota to deliver her well-crafted, intelligent pop. (7 p.m. Thu. Dakota, $30-$35.)