The Big Gigs for March 7-13

Never mind the dress code, here's Arcade Fire. The dramatic Canadian rockers killed some of the buzz from their 2011 Grammy win for best album by issuing a sprawling, disco-ized 2013 follow-up double-album, "Reflektor," and then by asking fans to dress up in fancy attire for their shows. Because nothing says formalwear like Minneapolis' dated basketball arena. Still, there's no dressing down the truly rapturous performances delivered by the orchestrally layered big band their past two times in town, at the even more decrepit Wilkins Auditorium. There are plenty of strong moments spread out on the new record — and old favorites on the set lists — which should be made all the more epic in an arena setting. Baltimore dance-party guru Dan Deacon and Montreal electronic wiz Kid Koala open. (7:30 p.m. Sat., Target Center, $30.50-$70.50.) Riemenschneider

In concert, Miley Cyrus will shock you. She'll also prove that she has a potent pop voice as she offers "Wrecking Ball" and other tunes from last year's underappreciated "Bangerz" as well as 2009's hit "Party in the U.S.A." — and nothing from her Hannah Montana days. Also expect an acoustic segment and some covers (on this tour she's done tunes by Arctic Monkeys, OutKast, Linda Ronstadt, Lana Del Ray, Dolly Parton and Bob Dylan). Opening is the Swedish electro-pop duo Icona Pop. Read an interview with Cyrus in Sunday's Variety section. (7 p.m. Mon., Xcel Energy Center, $41.50-$91.50.) Bream

A lot of banging on drums, big choruses and a "Radioactive" sound have propelled Imagine Dragons into America's biggest rock band. Not only was their "Night Visions" the second biggest selling rock album of 2013 (behind Mumford & Sons' "Babel"), but it led to a Grammy for best rock performance for "Radioactive," last year's biggest rock hit. The Las Vegas quartet, featuring three Berklee-trained musicians, impressed last year at the Varsity Theater and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Now it's arena time. The Naked and Famous opens. (7 p.m. Wed., Xcel Energy Center, $29.50-$49.50.) Bream

After sparking some of the biggest dance parties ever seen at First Ave for their recent birthday parties, the Twin Cities' best-known DJ crew seems determined to make the Get Cryphy Six-Year Anniversary as much fun for them as everyone else. They're flying in two of their favorite unsung rappers, Baltimore/Philly romp king Spank Rock, above, and New Orleans queer-rap voodoo guru Big Freedia, who happen to be two of the most devilishly tongued, dirty-minded, party-starting MCs around. They're also pals and collaborators, which fits the original M.O. of Get Cryphy — a monthly throwdown among friends. Co-founders Plain Ole Bill, Jimmy2Times, Fundo and Last Word are doing us all a friendly favor in this case. (10 p.m. Fri., First Avenue, $8-$12.) Chris Riemenschneider

Just as it did with its popular Johnny Cash shows, the Cabooze isn't waiting for the recently ailing singer to be called up yonder before paying its respects with "R.E.S.P.E.C.T.: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin," modeled after the club's other concerts celebrating Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye and Jimi Hendrix. Of course, the key ingredient in a tribute to the Queen of Soul is finding local singers with the ability to knock your socks off, and that's certainly the case with the familial lineup featuring Jamecia and Paris Bennett, Ginger and Ashley Commodore, Kathleen Johnson and more. (9 p.m. Sat., Cabooze, $12-$15.) Riemenschneider

One of country music's finest live bands in the 1990s, the reunited Mavericks now rank as one of the best darn live bands of any genre. After releasing a first-rate comeback album, "In Time," Raul Malo and pals delivered one of 2013's best live shows last winter at the Pantages. With Eddie Perez's hot and flashy guitar, Malo's bravura voice and enough diverse dance tunes to satisfy any wedding reception, the Mavericks will deliver an unforgettable blend of country, Tex-Mex, old-time rock 'n' roll, lounge jazz, Latin and vintage pop. (7 p.m. Sun., Pantages, $46.50-$56.50.) Jon Bream

Not sure why Twin Cities favorite JD McPherson is downsizing venues at this point. Maybe it's because he's already played here several times to promote his 2010 retro-cool "Signs and Signifiers" album. Beloved by listeners of 89.3 the Current, the Oklahoma rockabilly-leaning singer sold out the Turf Club in no time. Cactus Blossoms, Minnesota's retro-cool country duo, open. (8:30 p.m. Mon., Turf Club, sold out.) Bream

New Yorker Mike Doughty has long had a Twin Cities connection. We were the biggest market for his 1990s band Soul Coughing. He made two solo albums with Minneapolis producer Dan Wilson. And he's been well-received on MPR's "Wits" and at Twin Cities book signings for his memoir "The Book of Drugs." So it's not surprising that he's scheduled six editions of his Question Jar Show, wherein audience members submit questions and song requests. (7 & 9 p.m. March 13-15, Dakota, $25.) Bream

Where did Charlie Daniels' solo career take off? Right here in Minnesota, where KQRS blasted his "The South's Gonna Do It Again" back in 1975. That isn't his only Minnesota connection; he played bass (not fiddle) on three Bob Dylan albums. Now, of course, the 77-year-old Daniels is a country-rock standard-bearer, thanks to "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" and more than 35 years of steady touring. Killer Hayseeds open. (8:30 p.m. Sat., Medina Entertainment Center, $42.) Bream

Blues Hall of Famer Joe Louis Walker made some great albums in the 1980s with Robert Cray's canny production team. The guitar slinger's new "Hornet's Nest" is a lot more rockin', bombastic and hit-and-miss but has considerable charms, including the raucous party number "Soul City," the psychedelic and blues-free "Not in Kansas Anymore," and a heartfelt gospel-pop/neo-soul ballad, "Keep the Faith," along with covers of Jesse Stone's rock 'n' roll gem "Don't Let Go" and the Rolling Stones' classic "Ride on, Baby." (8 p.m. Fri., Dakota Jazz Club, $25.) Tom Surowicz

Ever since she took first place in the Thelonious Monk vocals competition in 2010, there's been a big buzz about savvy young singer Cécile McLorin Salvant. Sometimes the influence of Sarah Vaughan seems strong. At other times, she recalls vocal gymnast Betty Carter at her most playful — check out "I Only Have Eyes for You" on YouTube. And while a lot of young singers have a throwback sound and tackle Tin Pan Alley classics, she ups the ante with surprising song choices that extend all the way to 1905 (for vaudeville legend Bert Williams' terrific "Nobody") and beyond, with a fine version of "John Henry." A new talent to watch and indulge, certainly. Read an interview with her at StarTribune.com/music. (7 & 9 p.m. Sun., Dakota Jazz Club, $25- $35.) Surowicz

Beautifully representing the new generation of Louisiana Creole musicians, Cedric Watson is a formidable triple threat. He plays creative zydeco on accordion, then veers much closer to Cajun music when he switches to his trusty violin. And Watson sings soulfully, with panache and deep feeling. This eloquent young man has a terrific, subtle band called Bijou Creole. And he writes great, fresh material that's deeply rooted in tradition, yet often surprises the careful listener. (7:30 p.m. Sun., Cedar Cultural Center, $15-$18.) Surowicz

Celebrating their 25th year in the Irish folk biz, Dervish started out as the Boys of Sligo, but were soon joined by singer Cathy Jordan, solidifying a lineup that's had just two changes in the ensuing years. The seven-piece band's most recent release, "The Thrush in the Storm," includes a tune simply called "Paddy O'Brien's," which they indeed learned from O'Brien, the Twin Cities' own adopted Irish musicologist. (7:30 p.m. Thu., Cedar Cultural Center, $25-$28.) Surowicz