Wednesday, November 6

GRRRL PRTY EP-Release Show

Icehouse, Minneapolis

9 p.m., $6, 21+

For their third in a monthly residency at Icehouse, rap crew GRRRL PRTY (who placed third in this year's Picked to Click poll, and whose MC Lizzo also snagged first place in the same poll) will celebrate the release of their debut EP, TNGHT B4 XMAS. We've already sampled a bit of the EP in the form of singles "Wegula" and "Night Watch," and if those tracks are any indication it's destined to be an adventurous, fiery, and funny release. GRRRL PRTY will be joined by DJ Shannon Blowtorch and additional surprise friends at tonight's event.

Sonny Knight and the Lakers

Eagles Club 34, Minneapolis

9 p.m., $5, 21+

To celebrate the release of his new 7" on Secret Stash Records, Minneapolis soul legend Sonny Knight will be holding down a month-long residency at the Eagles Club backed by the Lakers (formerly known as the rhythm section of the Twin Cities Funk & Soul All-Stars). The new 7" will be released November 12, and features an original single, "Hey Girl," plus Knight covering Rodriguez's "Sugar Man" on the B-side.

Lucy Michelle, Aby Wolf

Coffman Memorial Union Theater, Minneapolis

6:30 p.m., $5 students/$10 GA, all ages

This quietly announced concert may have slipped underneath the radar of non-UofM students. Lucy Michelle headlines with a set of material off her new solo album, Attack of the Heart, accompanied by Chan Poling and John Munson. And opening the show is Aby Wolf, who will play songs from her mesmerizing Wolf Lords collaboration with Grant Cutler.

Lion or Gazelle, the Ericksons

Teatro Zuccone, Duluth

7 p.m., $6, all ages

Lion or Gazelle will be the first act in a series of Wednesday night shows sponsored by Chaperone Records at Duluth’s Teatro Zuccone. This November residency will feature local acts signed to Duluth’s vinyl-friendly label teamed with some visiting friends; for Wednesday's show, the darkness-meeting-the-light sound of Lion or Gazelle will be teamed with the sibling-fronted, emotionally-charged expansive folk experience of the Ericksons.

Thursday, November 7

Niki Becker Minneseries

Nomad Pub, Minneapolis

9:30 p.m., free, 21+

Singer-songwriter Niki Becker will be holding down a Thursday night residency at the Nomad all this month, and she's assembled quite the cast of like-minded support acts to help her out each week. For the residency's kick-off, she'll perform along with Weights & Measures, Dolfish, and Fairfax, AK.

Friday, November 8

John Mark Nelson

Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis

7 p.m., $10 adv/$12 door, all ages

It's been quiet lately for fans of John Mark Nelson, as the rising songwriter has been hard at work on a new full-length that is due out early next year. For his return to the stage (and his first headlining gig at the Cedar), Nelson will debut new material alongside previously released work. The openers aren't too shabby, either—Dave Simonett and Ryan Young of Trampled by Turtles will perform earlier in the evening, as will the Ericksons.

Rogue Valley

New Century Theater, Minneapolis

7 p.m., $16-$36, all ages

As part of their New Century Sessions series, the smallest of Hennepin Theatre Trust's theaters will present an intimate evening of songs and storytelling with Chris Koza and his roots-rock band Rogue Valley, with an opening set by power-pop group the Starfolk.

Bryan Nichols Quartet

Artists' Quarter, St. Paul

9 p.m., $12, all ages

Not that local jazz fans need any extra excuses to get down to the Artists' Quarter to enjoy the space before it shutters before the end of the year (that is, unless the St. Paul Mayor makes good on his promise that something will happen to halt its demise), but this weekend's double-header by piano player Bryan Nichols and two separate jazz combos will offer up something unique in the beloved basement space. On Friday night, Nichols will lead a quartet that includes James Buckley, Cory Healey, and Brandon Wozniak through an evening of Ellington songs reimagined, while Saturday night's show features Nichols' quintet (featuring Mike Lewis, JT Bates, Wozniak, and Buckley) playing his original compositions.

Brilliant Beast Album-Release Show

Cause Spirits and Soundbar, Minneapolis

9 p.m., $5, 21+

On their third album, Where Do You Want, Brilliant Beast combine power-pop melodies with lo-fi fuzz to create a sound that's as grimy as it is catchy. (Stream the record ahead of time here.) They'll celebrate the release of their record at Cause with help from Crimes, Fury Things, and Bad Bad Hats.

Solomon Witherspoon, Desdamona

Clyde Iron Works, Duluth

9:30 p.m., $5, all ages

Duluth native Solomon Witherspoon will return home Friday to perform in support of his new album, Starlight. The R&B singer with a love of gospel, funk and dance will be joined by Minneapolis spoken-word master Desdamona and Big Jess.

Carnage the Executioner, Crew Jones, Nonfic

Red Star, Duluth

9 p.m., free, 21+

Human instrument and legendary beat boxing emcee Carnage the Executioner makes his way back to Duluth for another intimate show at the Red Star Lounge. Joining Carnage will be the North Shore’s own kings of hip hop, Crew Jones. Joining these beloved acts will be Duluth’s bright new star on the rap scene, Nonfic, along with turntable technician DJ Risky Fingers.

Saturday, November 9

Dan Wilson

Sheridan Global Arts and Communications School, Minneapolis

$35-$350, 6 p.m., all ages

A fundraiser for the Sheridan Story, which sends food home with hungry schoolchildren, Dan Wilson will perform a selection of fan favorites and new songs backed by a pianist and string quartet. A "very special local guest" is also scheduled to appear.

Bethany Larson and the Bees Knees, Taj Raj, Ashley Gold

331 Club, Minneapolis

9 p.m., free, 21+

A slam-dunk lineup for fans of stellar singing and songwriting, this free gig combines the talents of alt-country crooners Bethany Larson and Taj Raj with the soulful folk-meets-hip hop stylings of Ashley Gold.

Bryan Nichols Quartet

Artists' Quarter, St. Paul

9 p.m., $12, all ages

Not that local jazz fans need any extra excuses to get down to the Artists' Quarter to enjoy the space before it shutters before the end of the year (that is, unless the St. Paul Mayor makes good on his promise that something will happen to halt its demise), but this weekend's double-header by piano player Bryan Nichols and two separate jazz combos will offer up something unique in the beloved basement space. On Friday night, Nichols will lead a quartet that includes James Buckley, Cory Healey, and Brandon Wozniak through an evening of Ellington songs reimagined, while Saturday night's show features Nichols' quintet (featuring Mike Lewis, JT Bates, Wozniak, and Buckley) playing his original compositions.

Grayskul, Speciez, Jaze, MC1980

The Rex, Duluth

9 p.m., $5, 21+

A weekend of top-notch hip hop continues in Duluth as Seattle’s Grayskul will hit the stage at The Rex in support of their newest release Zenith. Joining the sci-fi friendly rap duo will be Rez Rap Records’ own Speciez and Emcee Edge as well as Duluth natives Jaze and MC1980.

Jelloslave

Sacred Heart Music Center, Duluth

7:30 p.m., $10 in advance/$15 at the door, all ages

Minnesota quartet Jelloslave, known for their dynamic improvisational compositions, will make a return to Duluth for a Saturday evening show at the historic Sacred Heart Music Center. Cellists Jacqueline Ultan and Michelle Kinney (Coloring Time) team with drummer Greg Schutte and percussionist Gary Waryan to create a sound that draws from the European classical tradition woven with Hindustani classical rhythms.

Twin Ports concert recommendations courtesy of Duluth Local Show host Walt Dizzo.