If only more rockers could have the proverbial balls of tUnE-yArDs Merrill Garbus. Her set is so massive it’s made unenlightened d-bags questions her gender. Everything about her shouts “hey assholes, I’m not going to bow to your conventions—grammatically, musically or aesthetically.” She will not wax her glorious mustache for you or anyone else. There’s something wholly liberating about an artist not at all interested in your fanship. Garbus’ focus is making music for folks who want to be challenged by what they listen to, not merely entertained by it. From one track to the next, you don’t know where Garbus and co. will take you, be it electro-dance ditties, tribal wackiness, or her yelping along with a drum and a saxophone, forcing you to get on board this crazy train and enjoy the ride, or jump off it full tilt. With Pat Jordache. MA’CHELL DUMA LAVASSAR

Sun., Nov. 20, 8 p.m., 2011