POP/ROCK If you build it, Elton John will come. Fresh from the royal wedding, Las Vegas' resident rocker is playing Duluth's Amsoil Arena -- a new addition to the harborside Duluth Entertainment Convention Center -- as part of a tour that brings him to some smaller North American markets, including Saskatoon and Regina in Canada. (8 p.m. Fri., 350 Harbor Dr., Duluth. Sold out.) Jon Bream
After winning a local band contest at Club 3 Degrees in Minneapolis, Hyland has become a national band to watch in the Christian rock world. Its debut EP, "Quotients," was co-produced by Skillet's Ben Kasica, and Alternative Press named it one of 100 bands to watch this year. Tuesday, the baby-faced quartet issued its full-length debut on Tooth & Nail Records, the label behind Underoath, Jeremy Camp and other holy rock 'n' rollers. The record boasts a polished but punky power-pop sound that Motion City Soundtrack fans might dig, whether or not they dig into the lyrics. (6:30 p.m. Fri-Sat., Living Word Christian Center, 9201 75th Av. S., Brooklyn Park. All ages. $10.) Chris Riemenschneider
Back on the road following their annual "420 Celebration," San Diego's sun-baked, reggae-tinged rockers Slightly Stoopid made the wise decision of bringing along veteran twang-punks the Meat Puppets for an opening act. The Puppets are back from a decade of near-tragic calamity and just made one of the best records of their influential career, "Lollipop." They're touring their way out to the All Tomorrow's Parties festival, where they'll play their entire album "Up on the Sun" at the request of curators Animal Collective. (8:30 p.m. Fri., First Avenue. 18 & older. $25.) Riemenschneider
Though he'll soon turn 60, Jonathan Richman still seems like the man-child fans got to know and love back in the heady 1970s punk explosion. He's been covered by many a rock luminary (Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, the Sex Pistols, David Bowie), but nobody does a Richman song like the man himself, accompanied by longtime drummer Tommy Larkins. They're at their evocative, folk-rockin' best on the recent CD "O Moon, Queen of Night on Earth." (9 p.m. Fri. Triple Rock, $15-$18.) Tom Surowicz
As a former elementary teacher and the mother of two young boys, Sheryl Crow is an avid supporter of children's education. That's why she decided to perform at the 29th annual benefit for the Pacer Center, which works with kids with disabilities. The veteran pop star promises to treat this like a regular gig even though it follows a gala and live auction. The concert is open to non-benefit-goers. Read an interview with Crow at startribune.com/music. (8 p.m. Sat., Mpls. Convention Center auditorium, $65 for concert only. More info at Pacer.org) Bream
Ex-Men at Work frontman Colin Hay is a delightful charmer in song and conversation. Funny enough to be a standup comedian, he tells long-winded yarns about celebrities, drugs and rock 'n' roll and does impressions (musical and spoken). This time around, there might be more serious moments as Hay sets up songs from his new album, "Gathering Mercury," which addresses the recent death of his father. (8 p.m. Sat., Pantages, $26.50.) Bream
We can't help but wonder how Bob Schneider's onetime girlfriend Sandra Bullock would feel about "Penélope Cruz," a love letter of sorts to an unattainable actress. It's one of the lighthearted, easygoing, daydreamy songs on "A Perfect Day," the latest album by Texas' answer to John Mayer. (9 p.m. Sat., Fine Line. 21 & older. $21-$24.) Riemenschneider
Though Yelle's lyrics are entirely in French, most Stateside fans are content to absorb the trio's saccharine synth sounds and minimalistic dance bursts. Who needs lyrical content cluttering up infectiously fun electro-pop, anyway? Julie Budet (aka Yelle) and her namesake crew have one famous fan in pop queen Katy Perry, who had the group remix her hit "Hot n Cold" and pegged them as a supporting act on her recent UK tour. French Horn Rebellion and Estate open. (7:30 p.m. Sat., First Avenue, $13-$15. 18 & older.) Michael Rietmulder