Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven: Now an annual tradition that fits his schedule as a professor at the University of Georgia, David Lowery will return to Minneapolis in the dead of winter with both his bands in tow — the nerdier and cult-beloved gypsy-rock '80s ensemble Camper Van Beethoven of "Take the Skinheads Bowling" notoriety, and the brawnier '90s alt-rock unit Cracker of "Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)" and "Low" hitmaking fame. It's like one big, sweet rock 'n' roll Oreo offering two flavors for Gen-X musicheads. (8:30 p.m. Fri., Fine Line, Mpls., $20, eTix.com.)
Peter Asher: He is the Forrest Gump of rock. He's been everywhere, from a Beatles insider (his sister Jane dated Paul McCartney) to the producer of Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor, and the manager of Courtney Love. Asher introduced John to Yoko, Mick Jagger to Marianne Faithful. He also sang hits ("World Without Love") with Peter and Gordon. An entertaining raconteur, he'll share his songs and stories in a multi-media show that baby-boomers will find charming. (7 p.m. Sun.-Mon., Dakota, Mpls., $25-$40, dakotacooks.com)
Andrew Broder residency: Fresh off issuing his dramatic Fog comeback album "For Good," the Minneapolis songwriter/bandleader/beatmaker/turntablist is helming all four Wednesdays this month at the Turf, each week benefitting different charities, including a Somali community fund and Planned Parenthood. He kicks it off with hip-hop daredevils Kill the Vultures and a Broder/Crescent Moon pairing. Subsequent weeks feature Dizzy Fae and Alan Sparhawk (Jan. 11), the Cloak Ox (Jan. 18) and an all-star beatmakers showcase (Jan. 25). (9 p.m. each Wed, Turf Club, St. Paul, $6, eTix.com.)
Art Garfunkel: After canceling tours and battling vocal cord paresis this century, Rock Hall of Famer returned to the road in 2014 — and he's been touring ever since. Without Paul Simon, of course. The legendary songwriter says a reunion of the fractured friends isn't going to happen. So Garfunkel will be solo in his first appearance in the hometown of his wife (Kim Cermak) since 2003, applying his angelic tenor to all those S&G faves like "The Sound of Silence" and his solo hits. (7:30 p.m. Thu. Pantages Theatre, Mpls., $58.50-$104, ticketmaster.com)
Ol' Yeller: Rich Mattson's locally adored Americana-flavored bar-rock band through most of the '00s — between the end of his prior group the Glenrustles and his move to northern Minnesota to open his Sparta recording studio — Ol' Yeller is reuniting once again. Hopefully, it's now at least an annual tradition. They're pairing up with another fun, whiskey-spiked Minnesota band of that era that's making a welcome comeback, the Gleam. (8:30 p.m. Thu., Turf Club, $8-$12.)
