Wednesday, August 28

2013 Internet Cat Video Film Festival

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, St. Paul

7 p.m., $10, all ages

You may be saying, "But wait, this isn't a concert!" But aha, I've got you there, because Brian Laidlaw and the Family Trade and Koo Koo Kangaroo will be warming up the crowd for tonight's Internet Cat Video Film Festival. After a wildly successful first run on the Walker's grounds last year, the festival is moving to the State Fair for an even bigger installment that will include appearances by Grumpy Cat, Lil Bub, Pudge the Cat, and more.

Sheila E.

Minnesota State Fair's Leinie Lodge Bandshell, St. Paul

8:30 p.m., free (requires admission into the State Fair), all ages

One of Prince's most famous drummers returns to Minnesota for a two-night stand this week, starting tonight with a free show on the Lienie Lodge stage at the fair. After playing with Prince throughout the Purple Rain and Sign O' the Times era, Sheila E. went on to have a lengthy and successful career collaborating with everyone from Ringo Starr to Gloria Estefan to Marc Anthony.

Actual Wolf

Harriet Brewing, Minneapolis

9 p.m., free, 21+

If for some weird reason you're not at the State Fair today and able to stop by the Current's booth, where Actual Wolf is playing a short set at 4:30 p.m., head over to Harriet Brewing tonight for a free show by the rising songwriter. He'll likely play some material off his new self-titled solo album, due out October 22.

Thursday, August 29

P.O.S.

MPR Booth at the Minnesota State Fair (corner of Judson and Nelson), St. Paul

4 p.m., free, all ages

If you're unable to attend the big Minnesota Music-on-a-Stick show on Friday night, the Current has a chance to get up close and personal with P.O.S. as he records a live session at the fair.

Little Man

Mears Park, St. Paul

6 p.m., free, all ages

It's the last chance to catch some free music in Lowertown St. Paul as part of the Music in Mears series, which ends on a high note with a set from '70s-channeling rock powerhouse Little Man. Warming up the stage for Little Man will be alt-country and power pop aficionados Chemistry Set and violin-driven songwriter Falcon Heights.

Friday, August 30

Minnesota Music-on-a-Stick

State Fair Grandstand, St. Paul

5 p.m., $28, all ages

After a successful first go-round last year, Minnesota Music-on-a-Stick is back in a big way this year. Not only is it the release party of sorts for the Suburbs' first album in over two decades, Si Sauvage, but it also features the first hometown appearance by Mason Jennings this year and sets by P.O.S., Trampled by Turtles (who will headline), and the Chalice.

Set times:

5:00 p.m. The Chalice

5:45 p.m. P.O.S.

6:50 p.m. Mason Jennings

8:20 p.m. The Suburbs

9:45 p.m. Trampled by Turtles

11:00 p.m. Fireworks

You can also join the Current in Carousel Park from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, when we'll broadcast live from the fair and interview many of the performers on the Minnesota Music-on-a-Stick bill.

Red Daughters, Speed's the Name, the Goondas, Southside Desire

Varsity Theater, Minneapolis

7 p.m., $8, 18+

This looks like a fun night with four solid local rock acts. Southside Desire will kick off the evening with one of their last shows in town this summer, followed by gutsy punk rockers the Goondas, recently re-emerged indie band Speed's the Name, and rock 'n' roll firecrackers Red Daughters.

Maria Isa

Icehouse, Minneapolis

11 p.m., $6, 21+

Back in town after a successful tour in L.A., Maria Isa will perform songs off her collaboration with In the Groove Music, Latinization. DJ duo Tony Trouble and Sam Sewer will be on hand to keep the beats bumping all night.

The Horror, B.Arthur, Sand Creeps

Kitty Cat Klub, Minneapolis

10 p.m., $5, 21+

Duluthians have long been blessed with the ability to see the synth-chant-psych-rock threesome known as The Horror on the stages surrounding the Gitche Gumee. It’s now time for the residents of Minneapolis to join in on the experience. The Horror will be bringing their high-energy show to the Kitty Cat Klub as they perform alongside another animated act with Duluth connections, B.Arthur. Also set to perform are Minneapolis noise merchants, Sand Creeps.

Low, the Pines, Birds of Chicago

Big Top Chautauqua, Bayfield, Wisconsin

7:30 p.m., $28, all ages

After months on the road, Low return home to the Twin Ports for some much needed late summer relaxation before heading back overseas for a long run of European shows in November. So it will be Saturday’s performance at the gorgeous Big Top Chautauqua, at the base of Mt. Ashwabay south of Bayfield, which will mark the end of the summer tour cycle for the band. Joining Low will be Minneapolis-based The Pines and fellow Americana-Indie-Folk band Birds of Chicago.

Saturday, August 31

The Level Heads Digital-Release Show

Nomad Pub, Minneapolis

Upbeat hip-hop duo the Level Heads have just capped off a nine-month series of collaborative digital releases called Heads UP, and they're throwing a big party at the Nomad to celebrate its conclusion. They'll bring a six-piece band to help them boost their sound at this show, and it's only a warm-up for what's to come: later this fall, they'll be releasing their debut album. Check out what they've been working on here.

Audio Perm Dance Party

First Avenue, Minneapolis

10 p.m., $5, 18+

Up-and-coming young hip-hop collective Audio Perm will take over the Mainroom for the first time at this last-chance-summer-dance style throwdown, which will feature a performance by Audio Perm along with music by Ander Other and Noam the Drummer. Hosting the evening will be Meta and Greg Grease.

An Evening with Kristoff Krane

Icehouse, Minneapolis

11 p.m., $7, 21+

Talented songwriter and MC Kristoff Krane will hold it down at Icehouse at this late-night show, which will begin with an acoustic set and end with some good old fashioned rapping.

The Campfire Concert

Camp Miller, Sturgeon Lake

1 p.m.–11 p.m., adults $35/children $20, all ages

A healthy lineup of Duluth folk and bluegrass musicians have teamed up with the Duluth Area Family YMCA for a show at the picturesque setting of Camp Miller on Sturgeon Lake. This family friendly fundraiser includes performances from The Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, Matt Ray & Those Damn Horses, The Brothers Burn Mountain, and Rachael Kilgour with all proceeds going to assist in sending area kids to camp on scholarship. The Brewhouse beer truck will be on site for your craft beer needs and camping is encouraged.

Monday, September 2 (Labor Day)

Chastity Brown

MPR Booth at the Minnesota State Fair (corner of Judson and Nelson), St. Paul

4 p.m., free, all ages

Mark Wheat will host a live session with Chastity Brown on Monday afternoon, one of the last chances to take in live entertainment at this year's State Fair.

Iron Range Outlaw Brigade

Teatro Zuccone, Duluth

6 p.m., $5, all ages

The Iron Range Outlaw Brigade make their way down to Duluth for a rare appearance in front of an all ages crowd for a special Labor Day show at the Teatro Zuccone. If you’ve missed out on IROB’s unique brand of “Rangebilly” because their shows start too late, or because they only play at bars well then this show is for you. Five dollars not only gets you a night full of songs about whiskey, mining, and family bonding but you’ll also get your very own release from the official Iron Range Outlaw catalog.

Duluth show recommendations courtesy of Duluth Local Show host Walt Dizzo.