Mpls. Outside/In Vol. I: Flowers Now, She Rock Benefit, Lennon, Tina, Replacements

Highly subjective and hardly comprehensive gig suggestions for 12/6/24-12/13/24

First and foremost is a dazzling all-star salute of a different sort this weekend: Flowers Now! A Celebration of Black Elders of the Arts Community. The event will honor cherished community artists and cultural architects of the Midwest: Donald and Faye Washington, Jean Ann Durades, Babatunde Lea, Douglas R. Ewart, Janis Lane Ewart, Seitu Jones, Carolyn Holbrook, Ta-coumba Aiken and Louis Alemayehu. Curated by Davu Seru, hosted by renowned poet Tish Jones. With performances by drummer Kevin Washington, flutist Nicole Mitchell, and poet Louis Alemayehu. Saturday, December 7, 8 pm show, Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave. $18 adv., 23 DOS. Detailed artist bios at www.thecedar.org or Flowers Now!: A Celebration of Black Elders of the Arts Community | Facebook

The Flamin’ Oh’s with Faith Boblett, Friday, Cabooze

It’s been a psychological lift to the see iconic Cabooze on Cedar Avenue back in business, rising from the literal ashes of nearby unrest fires, the pandemic, and changing tastes around the West Bank. To celebrate, the bar has been hosting a series of 50^th Anniversary comeback concerts with acts such as the Suburbs and Lamont Cranston. The series continues this weekend with a chance to see both a legendary group, and a possible future star. The Flamin’ Oh’s were a delight this past summer at the Parkinson’s Foundation Minnesota fundraiser at Hook and Ladder. Even after 48 years in business they’ve maintained their melodic strength and assured stage presence. They’re now essentially an all-star band with Oh’s keyboardist Bob Burns, returning drummer Ben Kaplan, much-in-demand guitarist Terry Isachsen, and now featuring bassist Jenny Case, equally famous as director of She Rock She Rock music school. Band leader Robert Wilkinson personally selected the show’s opener, Faith Boblett, whose enjoyed airplay on 89.3 the Current and a widening list of bookings all around the metro. The Flamin’ Oh’s with special guest Faith Boblett, Friday, December 6, Cabooze Bar, 917 Cedar Ave. Doors 7:30, Music 8:15,, $18 advance online, $25 day of show. Also, Wilkinson is the guest of washboard specialist Mikkel Bee every other month on Sunday afternoons at the 331 Club. Sunday, December 15, 3-5 pm, 331 Club, 331 13^th Avenue NE. (Also February 16 and April 20.)

There are numerous opportunities to see a cavalcade of local musicians at various tribute shows and other special events this week. Robert Wilkinson and Gini Dodds will sing a Pogues classic at the Belfast Cowboys Caravanaoke, where dozens of other singers will front the band on Van Morrison songs, or tunes he’d surely love. Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7-11 pm, Driftwood Char Bar, 4415 Nicollet Ave., or CARAVANAOKE 12/10/24, Driftwood Char Bar, 7:00 - 11:00 | Facebook

It’s a very busy week for Flamin’ Oh’s bassist Jenny Case. It starts with the Oh’s gig Friday at Cabooze. Then Sunday it’s Rock n Roulette 2024: A She Rock Fundraiser for her forementioned She Rock She Rock music school. Students were formed into four small groups for an 8-week crash course on building 15-minute sets. Annie and the Bang Bang play a feature. Hosted by Katy Vernon. Sunday Dec. 8, Hook & Ladder Theater, 3010 Minnehaha. Doors 5:00, Music 6:00. 18+, or younger with parent or guardian. $20 ADV / $25 DOS. Direct donations and more info at www.sherocksherock.org

Then Case will be among the many musicians at Tina Schlieske and Friends Vajamma Party, a menstrual products and diapers drive. Thursday Dec. 12, Parkway Theater, Doors 6:30, music 7:30. All Ages. www.theparkwaytheater.com , or the Facebook event for the full list of participants. Tina Schlieske & Friends’ VaJamma Party! // Menstrual Product & Diaper Drive | Facebook

Another parade of stars will grace The 45^th Annual John Lennon Tribute featuring Curtiss A with a Little Help from His Friends. Need I say more? Sunday Dec. 8, First Avenue, Doors 5, Music 6. Ages: 18+. $25 Adv., $30 day of show (DOS).

The annual Tribute to the Replacements ft. The Melismatics, marks the 40^th anniversary of the band’s consensus classic Let It Be, and other cuts of course. New this year is an opening set by Jim Walsh and bandmates doing their own set of songs by beloved former Replacement Slim Dunlap. Friday December 13, Turf Club and Clown Lounge, 1601 University in our humble twin city of St. Paul. 21+ show. Doors 7, Music 7:30. Tickets at firstavenue.me/4doGDt4 . See the overflowing artist list at A Tribute to the Replacements ft. The Melismatics | Facebook