Weekend Checklist: 501 Club farewell and more

​The big news this weekend is tomorrow night's show at the 501 Club, which marks the last concert inside the venue before it closes down as well as the last gig for hip-hop duo MC/VL. But that's not the only thing going down this weekend -- here's a rundown of our top recommended shows happening Friday through Sunday.


FRIDAY 1.7

The Onion's 1,143rd Twin Cities Issue Celebratory Gathering
First Avenue
The satirical paper pulls together a serious lineup for tonight's show, featuring Dosh, Pink Mink, BNLX, Zebulon Pike, Fuck Knights, Grant Cutler and the Gorgeous Lords, and DJ Jake Rudh. 18+. $8. 6:30 p.m.

Rana Santacruz
Cedar Cultural Center
This Mexico City native concocts a vivid variety of styles, from Mexican trad to bluegrass, folk, rock, classical, mariachi, and even Celtic punk reminiscent of the Pogues. All ages. $15. 7 p.m.

Skoal Kodiak
Hexagon Bar
With Dreamland Faces, Brute Heart, and the debut of new band Knuckle Grinder. 21+. Free. 9 p.m.

Get Cryphy!
Record Room
The popular monthly dance night returns to the former VIP Room at First Ave, featuring Plain Ole Bill, Mike 2600, Last Word, and Fundo. 18+. $5. 10 p.m.

Coolio
Cabooze
So Coolio's still around. 18+. $15. 8 p.m.

Nato Coles & the Blue Diamond Band, the Slow Death, the Annandale Cardinals
Triple Rock Social Club
Read our interview with Twin Cities newcomer Nato Coles here, and check him out in the flesh tonight at the Triple Rock. 18+. 9 p.m.



SATURDAY 1.8

Carnage CD-release show
Fifth Element
Start your night off early with this jam-packed lineup, including Toki Wright, Desdamona, Kristoff Krane, Felipe, Maria Isa, more. Interview with Carnage about the release here. All ages. Free. 4 p.m.

501 Club Farewell show with MC/VL
501 Club
Last chance to see MC/VL, last chance to hang at the 501. Enough said. With Pink Mink, Slapping Purses, Kitten Forever, and special guests. 21+. $7. 9 p.m.

Art Beer Records
Yeti Records
Just like the name suggests, take in some art, beer, and records at this exhibit opening at Yeti. 7 p.m.

StrangeLights, Magic Castles, Flavor Crystals
Cause Spirits & Soundbar
A nice full lineup of psych-influenced rock bands. StrangeLights, Magic Castles, and Flavor Crystals will be joined by Panda Riot (Chicago) and Chatham Rise. 21+. $6. 9 p.m.

Big Pink: A Tribute to the Last Waltz
Cabooze
The annual tradition returns, featuring a full run-through of the iconic farewell concert by the Band played by a cast of locals. 21+. $12. 8:30 p.m.

Waxx Maxx, the Giravves, Baby Boys, Kill-Me Kare Bare
Hexagon Bar
Another solid night of local music at the Hex, featuring Mark Mallman's new side project Waxx Maxx (with singer Nicole Godiva) and pop purveyors Giravves. 21+. Free. 9 p.m.



SUNDAY 1.9

Wu-Tang Clan
Epic
Like we really need to lay this one out for you. It's the Wu-Tang Clan! 18+. $35. 8 p.m.

Stanley Jordan
Dakota Jazz Club
Virtuoso guitarist Stanley Jordan made a name for himself in the '80s by playing jazz guitar with both hands on the fretboard, a style dubbed "tapping." He's back and working on a new album, so tonight's show should feature plenty of new material. $25 at 7 p.m.; $20 at 9 p.m.