Patterson Hood

PATTERSON HOOD & THE DOWNTOWN RUMBLERS

8 p.m. • Fine Line • 18-plus • $20

Hood is jumping off the Drive-by Truckers caravan for a solo outing that promises to be more personal and raw than his usual, blissful blare-athons. His new album, "Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance," is partly based on his darkest days before DBT kicked into gear. He brought in a cast of close friends to record it, including his legendary session-bassist dad David Hood, singing partners Kelly Hogan and Will Johnson and a couple of DBT mates, drummer Brad Morgan and keyboardist Jay Gonzalez. The latter two are also in his new touring band, the Downtown Rumblers. Should be a nice little detour. Athens, Ga., openers Hope for Agoldensummer feature two harmonizing singers. CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

RUSH

7:30 p.m. • Target Center • $46-$96

On its current tour, enduring Canadian prog-rock trio Rush is out to reward hard-core fans with some deep album tracks in the first act, followed by a showcase of its new, 19th full-length, "Clockwork Angels," in all its muscular hard-rock glory. Fireworks, floating video screens and a string section led by David Campbell (Beck's dad) are included.JON BREAM

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN

7:30 p.m. • Guthrie Theater • $55-$58

When Olivia Newton-John comes to the Guthrie, which will rank higher, the kitsch or cuteness factor? Will her "Grease" fans outnumber her "Physical" followers or her "Have You Never Been Mellow" believers? It's the Aussie singer's first Twin Cities appearance in 10 years.J.B.