Friday 1
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MERLE HAGGARD Hag’s much ballyhooed return to Capitol Records, where he recorded most of his classic work, isn’t a return to his classic country sound. On Unforgettable, released last year, he applies his gentle, wonderfully weathered crooning to pop standards like the title track, “As Time Goes By,” “Pennies From Heaven,” and “I Can’t Get Started.” In the past Haggard has recorded album-length tributes to country legends Bob Wills and Jimmie Rodgers, and he sounds just as comfortable dipping into the Great American Songbook, much as Willie Nelson did on his seminal 1978 album Stardust. The spare arrangements are tastefully gilded by strings and the occasional saxophone, but Haggard’s vocals are always the focus; on this tour with headliner Bob Dylan, however, he’s sure to draw mostly from his own songbook, which is significant itself. Amos Lee opens. See also Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. 7:30 PM, Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress, 312-922-2110 or 312-902-1500, sold out (tickets still available at press time for Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday). –Peter Margasak
Saturday 2
Sunday 3
MERLE HAGGARD See Friday. Bob Dylan headlines; Amos Lee opens. 7 PM, Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress, 312-922-2110 or 312-902-1500, $29.50-$69.50.
Thursday 7
