What makes Shawn Colvin‘s performances special are not just her treasure chest of rich, smartly crafted songs (remember the Grammy-winning "Sunny came Home"?) but also the unexpected asides and tangents. She’ll crack wise about something or take a side musical trip that will enable you to connect the dots between disparate artists or ideas. and the South Dakota native is one percussive acoustic guitar player. Opening is award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Ariana Gillis, who sounds as funky and free-wheeling as early Ani DiFranco but with more pop savvy. (7 p.m. Tue.-Thu., Dakota, $45.) Bream

Are the Supersuckers the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world, as the title of their 1999 greatest hits album declares? not a chance. But over their nearly 25-year career, the Seattle quartet has become a favorite among a demographic equally apt to attend hot rod conventions and punk shows. Between motor-oil-burning, Confederate-style rock records, Eddie Spaghetti and company embrace their country side, playing twangy, tumbleweed tunes as heard on "Must’ve Been High," the band’s first all-country album. Fellow rowdy-rocking Seattleites the Spittin’ Cobras, featuring members of KMFDM and the Dwarves, open. (9 p.m. Tue., 7th Street Entry, $15, 18 or older.) Michael Rietmulder

If local upstarts Night Moves need a motivational mentor, they need look no further than Domino Records labelmate Cass McCombs. the San Francisco-based singer/songwriter released not one but two critically lauded LPs in 2011 alone. the 34-year-old scene-hopper has constructed quite a mystique, projecting himself as a depressive vagabond; think Dylan with a Poe-inspired pen. McCombs does whatever he pleases musically (folk, bedroom pop, rock), but everything is weighted by his dynamite lyricism — a trait that rakes in lofty Leonard Cohen/Elliott Smith comparisons. Opening: L.A. folker Frank Fairfield. (9 p.m. Wed., 7th Street Entry, $10, 18 or older.) Jay Boller

What a long strange trip it’s been for this Grateful Dead cover band. Dark Star Orchestra is not a typical tribute band but rather a group that re-creates Dead set lists from the past. DSO has performed more than 2,000 concerts during the past 13 years. far out. (9 p.m. Wed., first Avenue, $25.) Bream

Umphrey’s McGee, Chicago’s favorite jam band, sounds tighter on disc, especially on last year’s "Death by Stereo." But the progressive jammers always have a sense of adventure and fun onstage. recently, they’ve covered ZZ top, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin and, of course, Etta James. It’s time for Umphrey’s annual winter multi-night stand at first Ave. (6 p.m. Thu.-next Fri., first Avenue, $25.). Bream

COUNTRY

After recording three country chart-topping albums for Sony, the always feisty Gretchen Wilson declared "I Got Your Country Right here." That’s the title of her 2010 self-released Southern rock-leaning album. "Right Here" may not be full of radio fodder but it’s packed with crowd-igniters — "Work Hard, Play Harder," "Trucker Man" and "Blue Collar Done Turn Red" — that will fit in live along with her classic "Redneck Women" and "here for the Party." (8 p.m. Fri., Treasure Island, $24-$34.) Bream

HIP-HOP

With last year’s incessant coverage of Odd Future, a solid year from Gary, Ind.-reared rapper Freddie Gibbs went relatively unnoticed by the indie-music media. In April, the onetime major-label castaway was snatched up by Young Jeezy’s CTE Music and went on to release a pair of collaborative EPs and his "cold Day in Hell" mixtape, which hip-hop mag the Source ranked among the year’s best albums. Gibbs’ rugged, quick-hit cadences evoke ’90s gangsta rap glory (think a less silky do or Die) and give the gritty emcee plenty of street appeal. Muja Messiah and DJ Espada open. (9 p.m. Sat., 7th Street Entry, $15, 18 or older.) Rietmulder

Though its debut album isn’t out until Feb. 28, Philadelphia dorm-party duo Chiddy Bang has already built an audience with its electronic beats, indie-rock samples and the playful swagger of emcee Chidera "Chiddy" Anamege. Last year, Chiddy broke the Guinness record for longest freestyle rap with a nine-hour-plus flow at an MTV awards show. (9 p.m. Mon., 7th Street Entry, $20, 18 or older.) Rietmulder

JAZZ

Guitarists from different generations — Sam "Sammo" Miltich and Joan Griffith — join forces for two shows. the precocious Miltich is a gypsy swing specialist, best known locally for his work with the Clearwater Hot Club, but he’s adept at trad jazz and Brazilian choro sounds, too. Brazilian music of all kinds is the bread and butter of versatile veteran Griffith, a composer/educator who also tackles classical music and more modern jazz, sometimes on mandolin and bass. Toss in guest vocalist Connie Evingson, and you’ve got an enticing bill. (7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., Bloomington Theatre and Art Center, $16-$18.) Tom Surowicz

Unless you’re a big-band devotee, you won’t recognize the name Roger Ingram, but the lead trumpeter has an impressive résumé that includes Woody Herman, Quincy Jones, Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick and Wynton Marsalis (the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Blood on the Fields"). Sounds like an ideal special guest for the annual Century College Jazz Festival, now in its 23rd year. (8 p.m. Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., West Campus Theater, Century College, 3300 N. Century Av., White Bear Lake. $10-$20. 651-779-5531) Surowicz

BLUES

Though you’d never guess it to look at him, acoustic blues charmer Eric Bibb recently turned 60. he commemorated the event with a new CD, "Blues, Ballads and Work Songs," mostly comprising timeless classics from the 78-rpm era and the "great Folk Scare" of the 1960s. through his once-famous dad, Leon Bibb, his godfather Paul Robeson and family friends including Pete Seeger, Odetta and bassist bill Lee (Spike’s dad), he got to hear the music of sundry blues legends firsthand. while he’s lived in Europe for decades, Bibb remains a champion of indigo Americana. (7 p.m. Mon., Dakota Jazz Club, $20.) Surowicz

FOLK

The veteran of 16 albums, plus umpteen "Prairie Home Companion" appearances, two hit plays and one TV documentary, clarion-voiced folkie Claudia Schmidt is a pretty big name for the rather tiny 318 Cafe in Excelsior. So if you want to see her play 12-string guitar and dulcimer, tell stories, showcase original songs, recite the odd poem or three, and put a personal, jazzy spin on Tin Pan Alley chestnuts, reservations are definitely recommended. (8 p.m. Thu., 318 Cafe, $10.) Surowicz

The Big Gigs for the week of 1/27

Tags: canadian singer, rock n roll band

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