Music notes: Alan Jackson comes to Sears Centre
Country superstar
Alan Jackson, the wildly popular country singer-songwriter, will make a special stop in the suburbs this weekend. He's touring behind his latest album, “Thirty Miles West,” which came out in June. If you're a country fan, don't miss this chance to see one of the genre's heavyweights in a comfortable setting. 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, at the Sears Centre, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. (David Nail and Casey James open.) $37 to $77. Go to searscentre.com.
Prog-metal pioneers
British band Uriah Heep has been at it for more than 40 years. The group developed a devoted following for its unique sound, which combines arty elements of progressive rock — keyboards, soaring vocals — with the guitar and rhythms of heavy metal. Uriah Heep's latest record, “Into the Wild,” came out in 2011. The band will play in Palatine this weekend. 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $22. Go to durtynellies.com.
Power(ful) pop
The dB's put out a slew of jangly, angular, irresistible power-pop albums in the 1980s that continue to be name-checked by rock 'n' roll connoisseurs. Records like “Stands for Decibels” from 1981 and “The Sound of Music” from 1987 delivered literate and witty songs built around pop hooks immaculately crafted by the two main songwriters, Chris Stamey and Peter Holsapple. Stamey left the band for a time, but he and the rest of the group are back together and touring in support of “Falling Off the Sky,” a 2012 release that's gotten rave reviews. The dB's are in town for two shows next week. The dB's will perform at 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, and Friday, Nov. 16, at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago. $18 to $20. Go to hideoutchicago.com.