Stevie Nicks' first album in 10 years is easily her strongest solo effort since "Bella Donna" in 1981. "In Your Dreams" is strikingly versatile, covering love and politics, dreams and poems, rock and pop. Props to producer Dave Stewart of Eurythmics and to Nicks for inviting ex-beau Lindsey Buckingham to play on "Soldier's Angel" and for recording "Secret Love," which she wrote during Fleetwood Mac's "Rumour" period. Nicks is so proud of this new album that she's willing to play outdoors in her witchy wardrobe in the heat of the summer. Read an interview with the Fleetwood Mac siren in Monday's Variety section. (7:30 p.m. Wed., Mystic Lake Casino amphitheater, $33-$46.) Bream
In her first State Fair appearance since 1999, enduring country queen Reba McEntire, who has scored No. 1 hits in four consecutive decades, will be joined by an old friend launching a new venture: Ronnie Dunn of duo kings Brooks & Dunn, who's going solo on the strength of a well-crafted self-titled debut. Nothing like a couple of country stalwarts to kick off this year's grandstand series. (7:30 p.m. Thu., State Fair grandstand, $45 & $55.) Bream
Now ensconced in New Hampshire, singer/songwriter Red Gallagher is back in town all August to do 34 "community shows," entertaining the very old in nursing homes, and the very young at preschool gigs. Thankfully, he has one public gig with a little band, a night featuring his clever "Humortunes" song parodies. Can't beat the price. (8 p.m. Sat., Riverview Cafe & Wine Bar, no cover.) Tom Surowicz
Barb Ryman's voice has never sounded lovelier, more pliant and soothing than on the 14 tracks of her new CD, "Catch the Sunset." It's beautifully produced in a cozy Red House Records kind of way, by all-pro percussionist Marc Anderson, and has a great supporting cast, including Peter Ostroushko, Prudence Johnson, Dan Chouinard and even John Munson of Semisonic, who turns up to do some charming whistling on the album's most idyllic, poppy number, "Picture Us." Yet for all its prettiness and polish, the irony is that "Catch the Sunset" largely features Ryman's poignant and downbeat side, with songs about war, death, corporate greed, isolation and the meaning of it all. You might want to bring a hanky to her CD release party this weekend, ready to whip out when she performs "Confession" or "Arms Across the Sea." (7 p.m. Sun., Bryant-Lake Bowl. $10-$12.) Surowicz
It's great to see Loudon Wainwright, one of the few 1970s singer/songwriters who never slowed down, wimped out or dried up, getting the living-legend treatment on a new box set. "Loudon Wainwright III, 40 Odd Years" -- co-produced with filmmaker Judd Apatow -- is a cornucopia for fans, with 91 audio tracks, 22 of which are rare and unreleased, a delightful 40-page book, a 60-minute Dutch documentary called "One Man Guy," and more than two hours of scarce concert and TV appearances. (7:30 p.m. Thu., Cedar Cultural Center, $25-$28.) Surowicz
A spirited live performer and searing guitar soloist, "Braille blues daddy" Bryan Lee now features former Minnesotan Sam Joyner on keyboards. Currently living in Baton Rouge, La., Joyner has traveled all over the globe, including long stays in Asia, since the days when he worked locally with Sue Ann Carwell, Alexander O'Neal and Prince. (7:30 p.m. Fri., Wilebski's Blues Saloon.) Surowicz
Blind Pig recording artists Magic Slim & the Teardrops are one of Chicago's great, no-nonsense blues bands. They shuffle, they boogie, you dance, you smile. (7 p.m. Sat., Wilebski's Blues Saloon, $12-$15.) Surowicz
What time is it? Time to present the Minneapolis Sound at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Prince has never accepted the fair's overtures, but Morris Day & the Time did. The cartoonish gigolo is still c-o-o-l working with original Time members Jellybean Johnson and Monte Moir. Just don't ask about the status of the original Time reunion album that has been in the works since 2008. (8:30 p.m. Thu. & next Fri., State Fair bandshell, free.) Bream
The Who famously sang, "The Kids Are Alright." Now the jazz kids are taking over. Once the youngest and shortest drummer in town, Miguel Hurtado is now a fast-track Manhattan School of Music grad who's enjoyed quite the growth spurt, both physically and aesthetically. He'll lead a sextet Friday and a quintet Saturday, both featuring Chicago buddies Marquis Hill on trumpet and Chris McBride on alto sax. (9 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Artists' Quarter, $12.) Surowicz
The grande dame of Minnesota jazz, Jeanne Arland Peterson is celebrating her 90th birthday surrounded by her five children, grandson, nephew and other musicians. Peterson still sounds grand on the piano, as evidenced on her 2009 CD "88 Grand" and recent performances. Like Eubie Blake and Pinetop Perkins, she's still a master of the 88s in her 90s. See Saturday's Variety section for a story about her. (6:30 p.m. Sun., Old Log Theater, Excelsior, $23.) Bream
Two legends of Midwest jazz join forces for what should be a fun gig. Headliner Ben Sidran, a mere 68 years of age, has a milelong résumé that includes not just the usual bevy of albums and teaching gigs, but also writing books, hosting radio and TV shows, scoring film soundtracks, plus running a few record labels. His special guest, Irv "Mr. Smooth" Williams, has been a force in Twin Cities jazz since the year before Sidran was born. Irv recently turned 92 -- but who's counting? (7 p.m. Mon., Dakota Jazz Club, $25.) Surowicz
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