Bruce Cockburn

In the span of a few weeks at the Cedar, it’s possible to experience a dozen-piece African band, a haunting hardanger fiddle player, an Iowan folksinger, a Saami joiker, and a legendary bluegrass band. This intimate, no-frills venue, which resembles a middle school auditorium circa 1970, conjures the true spirit of community, with children playing in the aisles and old-country old-timers pulling out genuine dance moves. Despite all that recommends it, the Cedar remains a shoestring operation—a situation Bruce Cockburn hopes to turn around with this benefit. Expect a sneak preview of the Canadian folksinger and activist’s new album (due this summer) and a rousing battle cry to save an incredible place. 416 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-338-2674; www.thecedar.org