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Lonnie Holley melds caked-earth blues with the mysticism of a shaman. More truth-teller than visionary, he delivers riveting narratives in a graveled voice that frequently roams between startled anguish and anger and grim resignation and perseverance, as on his 18-minute epic, "I Snuck Off the Slave Ship."

Born the seventh of 27 children in Alabama in 1950, he belatedly, almost accidentally, came to musical prominence after first making his mark as a found-object artist. His debut Twin Cities performance should be visceral and enlightening.

When/where: 8 p.m. Sat., Walker Art Center, 25 Vineland Place, Mpls. $26, walkerart.org or 612-375-7600.

BRITT ROBSON