Thursday, May 30

Heavy Deeds

Hymie's Vintage Records, Minneapolis

7 p.m., free, all ages

With Poliça on a brief break from touring, Chris Bierden is seizing the opportunity to give his other main band, Heavy Deeds, some attention. The band just released their debut album, Light Lunch, earlier this month, and will play a free show in support of it this week at Hymie's.

Lucy Michelle

Some Sum Studio, Winona

7 p.m., $10, all ages

The organizers of the annual Mid West Music Fest in Winona are keeping the party going year-round with a series of curated shows. This week, Lucy Michelle will perform her new solo material with support from local openers Amanda Hardy and Mike Munson. Advanced tickets here.

Friday, May 31

Marijuana Deathsquads "Music Rocks" Residency Finale

Icehouse, Minneapolis

11 p.m., $8, 21+

If you haven't made it down to Icehouse for the Marijuana Deathsquads residency, this is your last chance. And word has it that it will be the biggest and best night yet. Featuring surprise special guests.

Ladies First Showcase featuring Desdamona

Kitty Cat Klub, Minneapolis

9 p.m., $5, 21+

For the second installment of Ladies First, Desdamona will perform material off her forthcoming full-length, DigiPhenom. Also on the bill are Maria Isa, Sweetz P, Angel, and DJ Simone Du Jour.

Pretty Boy Thorson

Hexagon Bar, Minneapolis

9 p.m., free, 21+

A guaranteed riot. Punk scene staple Pretty Boy Thorson headlines a solid bill at the Hex, which also includes a rare appearance by the God Damn Doo Wop Band, Whiskey Jeff & the Beer Back Band, and Tyler Haag.

Saturday, June 1

Taj Raj CD-Release Show

Turf Club, St. Paul

9 p.m., $5, 21+

What started as an excuse to play the tiny stage at Palmer's for free drink tickets has now evolved into a beautifully executed alt-country band. Taj Raj will headline the Turf this Saturday night in support of their new Fine Hearts Alive, a swooning, nostalgic ode to old-fashioned roots rock. Opening the show will be Bethany Larson and the Bees Knees, Savannah Smith, and the Person & the People.

Dan Israel CD-Release Show

Icehouse, Minneapolis

11 p.m., $10, 21+

Prolific St. Louis Park singer-songwriter Dan Israel will release two different albums at this show—his 12th studio album, Live On, and a two-LP career retrospective, Danthology. He'll be joined by Germaine Gemberling and Rich Mattson, who recorded Live On at his Sparta Sound studio up on the Iron Range.

Mark Andrew

Harriet Brewing, Minneapolis

7 p.m., free

A contest on this season's The Voice (who I recently interviewed here), Mark Andrew is back home in Minneapolis playing gigs and getting ready to record a new album. At this show, he'll play acoustic backed by stand-up bassist Keith Yanes.

Bloodnstuff

Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis

9 p.m., $7, 18+

Not only is this lineup stellar front-to-back, but it also marks the return of dissonant yet catchy punk quartet Kill to Kill, who have been on hiatus in recent years. They'll open the show, and will be followed by Gay Witch Abortion, STNNNG, and headliners Bloodnstuff.

Sunday, June 2

Grand Old Day

Grand Avenue, St. Paul

8 a.m.-6 p.m., $8 (for entrance to music), 21+

A summertime tradition, this year's Grand Old Day will feature five stages and acts ranging from the White Iron Band to Apollo Cobra to Night Moves and Har Mar Superstar, who is returning home to headline the event and play songs off his soulful new album, Bye Bye 17. Set times for all the stages are below.

The Wild Onion Stage 

12:00 p.m. White Iron Band

1:30 p.m. The Devon Worley Band

2:30 p.m. Tim Sigler

KQRS Stage at Pier 1

12:00 p.m. Apollo Cobra

3:30 p.m. ELnO

Twin Cities Live Stage at Haskell's Wine and Whiskey Garden's at Walgreens

12:00 p.m. Twin Cities Live Featured Band

1:30 p.m. Rubber Soul

3:30 Viva Knievel

Dixie's on Grand Stage

12:00 p.m. The Amends

1:15 p.m. Tramps Like Us

2:45 p.m. Night Moves

4:00 p.m. Har Mar Superstar

Billy's on Grand Stage

12:00 p.m. Arc Flash Hazard

3:30 p.m. Hookers $ Blow