The Mavericks: Since reuniting in 2011, this eclectic Miami-launched group has recorded three outstanding albums and established itself in concert as America's greatest dance band. Whether playing their 1990s country hits like "All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down," pre-rock-sounding originals or frontman Raul Malo's deep well of Latin-influenced music, the Mavericks will help you dance the night away on their 30th anniversary tour. Always highly recommended. (8 p.m. Fri., State Theatre, Mpls., $53.50-$63.50)
Charli XCX: The British pop star seems to be a collaboration queen. She was featured on Icona Pop's "I Love It" and Iggy Azalea's "Fancy." She co-wrote the current Shawn Mendes/Camila Cabello smash "Señorita." So it's not surprising that on her just-released third album, "Charli," the electro-pop singer teams up with Lizzo, Troye Sivan and BTS, among others. Last seen opening for Taylor Swift at U.S. Bank Stadium, Charli is back in the clubs. (8 p.m. Fri., First Avenue, Mpls. Sold out).
Ruston Kelly: Playing to a few hundred people, the Americana singer-songwriter impressed at the Basilica Block Party hours before his wife, Kacey Musgraves, headlined in front of thousands. He mentioned Jesus and reefer in the same stanza — a first at the BPP. Musgraves helped Kelly beat his drug problems, which he sings about on his dark but commendable debut, 2018's "Dying Star." (9 p.m. Fri., Fine Line, Mpls., $20-$35)
Minnesota Music Coalition Rock Gala: A fun cross-section of Twin Cities musicians will be dressed up and matched up in this annual all-star fundraiser and tribute to Minnesota music, with a house band featuring some of the Suburbs and a roster of singers including Annie Mack, Curtiss A, Robert Wilkinson, Humbird's Siri Undlin, John Munson, Faith Boblett and many more. (7:30 p.m. Fri., A-Mill Lofts, 315 SE Main St., Mpls., $35-$50, mnmusiccoalition.org).
Lucy Dacus: Last seen in town teaming with kindred tunesmiths Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker as Boygenius, the Virginian indie-rocker hit the "Austin City Limits" TV studio and Newport Folk Fest over the summer before dropping a coolly revisionist version of Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark," which shows off her slow-simmering power. It's from a series of holiday-themed singles Dacus has been randomly dropping as she works up the follow-up to last year's acclaimed Matador Records LP, "Honest." Austin, Texas, group Liza Anne & Sun June open. (8 p.m. Sat., Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Av. S., Mpls., sold out.)
Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin: Longtime friends, these two literate and often funny singer-songwriters are touring as a duo. They'll swap stories and songs, harmonize and maybe talk about where they keep their Grammys. (They've got eight between them.) Expect Colvin to reprise tunes from her debut, "Steady On," which won her first Grammy; she is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a new acoustic version. (8 p.m. Sat., the O'Shaughnessy, St. Paul, $38-$68.)
The Velvets: Alan Sparhawk and Steve Garrington of Low formed this informal Velvet Underground cover band a few years ago with fellow Duluth rockers Marc Gartman of Glitteratti and Steven Yasgar of Communist Daughter for no other reason than to jam through those classic songs. Now they have a good reason: They're marking the 50th anniversary of the VU's gig at the Labor Temple in Minneapolis, ads for which promised "a three-ring psychosis." Low's Mimi Parker and Gaelynn Lea will join the circus this time. (7:30 p.m. Sat., Hook & Ladder, Mpls., $15-$20.)
Etta James Experience: At last, here's a Twin Cities singer who can do justice to James, one of the all-time great R&B singers. Kathleen Johnson has the requisite sass, spunk and soul to salute the Rock Hall of Fame force behind "Tell Mama," "At Last" and "I'd Rather Go Blind." (7:30 p.m. Sat., Crooners, Fridley, $30-$40)