Jonathan Richman: The truly one-of-a-kind Boston pop-punk vet who gave us the rowdy classic "Roadrunner" and other cult-loved gems with the Modern Lovers first played the Cedar in 2004 when First Ave was closed by bankruptcy. He's making an overdue return there with help from former Ave guru Steve McClellan. Richman's rich local history still plays a backseat to his sardonically edgy and often infectious recent tunes, and to the peculiarly vibrant stage show he always puts on with longtime drummer Tommy Larkins. (8 p.m. Fri., Cedar Cultural Center, $18.)
Cry Cry Cry: This folk supergroup of Dar Williams, Lucy Kaplansky and Richard Shindell made only one album back in 1998 and undertook only one tour shortly thereafter. Last year, they reunited at a New York festival for their first gig in 18 years, and this year they're on tour again. Finally. (8 p.m. Fri. Pantages, Mpls., $45-$55.)
Glen Hansard: Can't think of a better choice for St. Patrick's Day. The Irish bard is an enrapturing performer, a loquacious storyteller and a mesmerizing singer who gets lost in his songs in a Van Morrison kind of way. Best known for the movie and musical "Once," the 47-year-old Oscar winner is promoting his brand-new album, "Between Two Shores," which will rock you with his Irish soul. He has a way with sad songs, including the intense "Movin' On" and the deeply felt "Your Heart's Not in It." Hansard's concert repertoire will likely include material from his previous groups, the Swell Season and the Frames. (8 p.m. Sat. Palace Theatre, St. Paul, $40-$45, etix.com)
Marty Stuart: One of country music's more underappreciated talents, he's a skillful picker, top-notch songwriter and essential guardian of the genre's history and memorabilia. And he has a terrific band, the Fabulous Superlatives, who will help him deliver material from last year's superlative "Way Out West." (8 p.m. Sat. Hopkins Center for the Arts, $45)
Titus Andronicus: New Jersey art-punk roarer Patrick Stickles and his band would usually be a perfectly rowdy show for St. Patty's Day, but this time out they're doing an acoustic tour re-imagining tunes from throughout their discography. It should still be a hoot, though. (8 p.m. Sat., Turf Club, $15.)
O.M.D.: Even more so than fellow John Hughes movie soundtrack stars the Psychedelic Furs, the British duo more formally known as Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark has gotten past being strictly a nostalgia act for Gen-Xers who first made out to "If You Leave." Reunited for a decade now after almost two decades apart, Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys even made it to the top 10 albums chart in the U.K. with their latest LP, "The Punishment of Luxury," full of the classic synth-pop sound that fits in right alongside Future Islands and LCD Soundsystem today. (8 p.m. Sun., First Avenue, 701 1st Av. N., Mpls., $30, eTix.com.)
Michael Schenker Fest: German guitar hero Schenker, who played in U.F.O. and the early Scorpions lineup in the early-'70s before forming his own Michael Schenker Group, is on tour celebrating himself with three different singers from his MSG days. (8 p.m. Mon., Cabooze, $45.)
Graham Nash: The veteran of two Rock Hall of Fame groups is touring solo, promoting his first solo album in 14 years, "This Path Tonight." It's a reflection on his breakup with his wife of more than three decades. And it seems like Crosby, Stills & Nash have broken up after almost five decades. They're not getting along. But Nash still sings CSN songs live and hopes for possible rapprochement. Also expect stories behind the songs, including hits from his years with the Hollies. (7 p.m. Tue.-Wed. Dakota Jazz Club, Mpls., $75-$115)
Steve Earle & the Dukes: An album that broke ground on rock radio stations but preceded Earle's rockiest personal trials, "Copperhead Road" is deservedly being celebrated with a 30th anniversary tour. The music still sounds relevant, and unfortunately so do the themes of its other songs such as "Devil's Right Hand," "Snake Oil" and "Back to the Wall" — about gun violence, a made-for-TV president and rampant American poverty, respectively. Husband/wife alt-twang group the Mastersons aren't to be missed in the opening slot. (7:30 p.m. Wed., Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Av., Mpls., $49-$59, Ticketmaster.com.)
The Steeles: The Twin Cities soulful sibling quintet's presentation of love songs was such a big hit on Valentine's Day that J.D., Fred, Jearlyn, Jevetta and Billy have been booked for an encore appearance. (7 p.m. Thu. Crooners, $55-$75)
EDEN: One of Bon Iver's most successful imitators, young Dublin singer/songwriter and ambient looper Jonathan Ng broke big on Spotify in 2016 with the single "Gold" and is now touring behind his Astralwerks debut, "Vertigo." His local debut show got bumped up in size from the Amsterdam Bar and still quickly sold-out. (8 p.m. Thu., Cedar Cultural Center, sold out.)
Buckethead: The former Guns N' Roses slinger is still wearing the KFC bucket and still serving up a family-sized heap of guitar trickery, this time touring without a band. (9:30 p.m. Thu., Cabooze, $22.50.)
