Rickie Lee Jones, the "Duchess of Cool," returns for a rare appearance at The ArtsCenter on Monday. Jones, who exploded onto the national scene in 1979 with her self-titled album and its hit single "Chuck E.'s in Love," has continued to make unique, exquisitely crafted music that defies easy caterogization. Her new album, "Balm in Gilead," features guest artists including Ben Harper, Bill Frisell and Alison Kraus, and "was made for people my age," says Jones, 54. Showtime Monday is 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $39 for the general public, $37 for ArtsCenter members. 929-2787, www.artscenterlive.org.