Folksier Mellencamp comes to town

Folksier Mellencamp

John Mellencamp is now in his fourth decade of performing, and the last few years have seen him stripping down his traditional Midwestern rock sound in favor of a bluesier, folksier approach. He recorded his most recent record, “No Better Than This,” with a mono recorder and a single microphone. The result is one of the most compelling records he's put out since his 1989 masterpiece, “Big Daddy.” See him live this weekend.

6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, and Saturday, Nov. 27, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $42.50 to $125; ticketmaster.com.

Local rocker goes solo

McHenry native Matt Skiba, frontman of punk-pop band Alkaline Trio, will do the solo thing this weekend. Skiba has dabbled in solo work periodically during the past 10 years, resulting in a split release with Kevin Seconds and, earlier this year, the full-length record “Demos.”

9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., Chicago. $16; bottomlounge.com.

Still in residence

Suburban resident and alt-country hero Robbie Fulks continues his Monday-night “residency” at Chicago's Hideout. Fulks is a wonderful songwriter and a funny, engaging stage presence. If you haven't seen him live yet, these Monday-night shows offer a prime opportunity.

7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago. $10 suggested donation; hideoutchicago.com.