Hoopsnakes: Those bluesy rockin' Hoopsnakes, one of the Twin Cities all-time great bar bands, are reuniting Friday to play a benefit for Bill Bushey, their former roadie/music tech who has colon cancer. Irrepressible Hoopsnakes pianist/singer Bruce McCabe is battling cancer for a third time himself. There's even talk of several members of the Lamont Cranston Band joining in for a late-night jam since the Hoopsnakes were a Cranstons spinoff in the first place. Lamont Cranston and Lisa Wenger open. (8:30 p.m. Fri. Medina, $20-$25, medinaentertainment.com)
Eric Church: Per usual, the country superstar does things his way. He released his latest album, "Mr. Misunderstood," directly to his fan club first. Now, he's doing an arena show without an opening act. He's playing two sets, covering three dozen of his own country tunes. (8 p.m. Fri. Target Center, Mpls., $27-$89, axs.com)
X-Ambassadors: After the holy setting of last summer's Basilica Block Party, the slick Upstate New York band of "Renegades" enters the more devilish confines of the casino circuit for a rare teen-centric show there. (8 p.m. Fri., Treasure Island Casino, Welch, 16 & older, $43-$63, Ticketmaster.com.)
Devil Makes Three: This bluegrassy Southern Cali acoustic trio has toured with local faves Trampled by Turtles and is earning good press for its new album, "Redemption & Ruin." (9 p.m. Fri., First Avenue, $25.)
Red Hot Chili Peppers: Their latest album "The Getaway" was a bit of a snooze, but it doesn't matter. The Los Angeles funk-rock vets still easily filled the arena across the street from their old stomping grounds, First Avenue, and they're still picking heavily from their long list of '90s-'00s radio hits on tour. New-ish guitarist Chad Klinghoffer has easily fit in with Flea and Anthony Keidis, too, adding a little spark to the band. Also sure to add energy is middle-slot act Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, the funkiest thing in New Orleans these days. Ex-RHCP drummer Jack Irons opens. (7 p.m. Sat., Target Center, Mpls., side-view seats only, $49-$99, AXS.com.)
Big Pink's Last Waltz: Twin Cities keyboardist Rob Hillstrom and friends salute the Band's final concert and film, "The Last Waltz," with an all-star lineup of locals, including Terry Walsh as Van Morrison, Dan Israel as Bob Dylan and Pat Hayes as Paul Butterfield. It's an annual treat. This is Year 13. Belfast Cowboys open. (9 p.m. Sat. Cabooze, Mpls, $12-$15.)
Dweezil Zappa: While he's currently embroiled in a silly legal battle with two siblings over use of his father's name, Dweezil long ago earned the respect of fans who welcome his live explorations of Frank Zappa's dizzily complex discography. He ditched the Zappa Does Zappa moniker and is cutely calling this the Cease & Desist Tour, marking the 50th anniversary of Frank's recording career and the seminal album "Freak Out." (8 p.m. Thu., First Avenue, Mpls., $30, $65 VIP with sound check, eTix.com.)
