Local music notes: Tired Eyes wakes up

One of the few things to ever make Twin Citians jealous they're not in Duluth over the winter, Ol' Yeller frontman Rich Mattson and Low's Alan Sparhawk got together Up North on short notice last January to play a three-hour Neil Young tribute set at the now defunct Twins Bar, and by all accounts it was a blast. They're doing it again and including us big-city kids this time. With the going name Tired Eyes, they play Friday at Tycoon's in Duluth (10 p.m., free) and Saturday at Lee's Liquor Lounge (10 p.m., $5). …

North Country folk/rock troubadour Ian Thomas Alexy of the Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank is also driving south Saturday to promote his new solo album, "Born on the Day of the Dead," which he started recording on the Day of the Dead last year (also his birthday). He plays Saturday at Memory Lanes in Minneapolis with Walker Fields (10 p.m., free). … Here's one big benefit gig that'll really blow: Wilebski's Blues Saloon in St. Paul will host the Blues Harmonica Bash on Sunday afternoon, a fundraiser for KFAI Radio featuring harp men RJ Mischo, Curtis Blake, "Hurricane" Harold Tremblay and more with a house band including Bruce McCabe and Jeremy Johnson (3-7 p.m., $10). …

While she's out on tour with Har Mar Superstar, Lizzo will release "Lizzobangers" on Tuesday, her hotly anticipated album with Doomtree beatmaker Lazerbeak. Her preview set three weeks ago opening for Har Mar at First Ave suggested a surprisingly straight-ahead, forceful but fun, classic hip-hop sound for the record. … Poliça's second album, "Shulamith," doesn't officially drop until Oct. 22, but a limited number of double-LP vinyl editions will hit stores Tuesday. The band issued a third track from the disc as an online video Monday, the eerie, murky "Warrior Lord." …

If you missed the sad news earlier this week, downtown St. Paul's beloved jazz haven the Artists' Quarter will close its doors for good at the end of the year. Owner Kenny Horst has struggled with rising rent and dwindling crowds. Look for a big finale run the week leading up to New Year's Eve. By all means, though, do Horst and yourself a favor and hang out there in the interim. Piano great Bill Carrothers returns this Friday and Saturday (9 p.m., $15).

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER