Preston’s picks: The Mavericks at Billy Bob’s Texas; Elvis Costello at Majestic Theatre

The Mavericks at Billy Bob’s Texas

This year has been an embarrassment of riches for North Texas fans of the Mavericks. The freewheeling band, led by the singularly talented Raul Malo, passed through town in March, turning the House of Blues into a full-on fiesta: “To watch the Mavericks, all pistons firing ... was to feel something like affection, but also profound admiration,” I wrote of that scorching showcase. The Mavericks were back just three months later, to help Fair Park mark its 80th anniversary; Malo performed a rare solo set at the Kessler Theater in August — “Malo ... dazzled the capacity crowd with music that showcased his broad, deep and abiding love of a finely written song,” I wrote of that gig — and now, ahead of the Oct. 14 release of All Night Live, Vol. 1, the Mavericks are storming the Stockyards, for another dose of their uniquely entertaining music.

10:30 p.m. Friday. Billy Bob’s Texas, Fort Worth. $18-$45.

Elvis Costello at Majestic Theatre

Legendary singer-songwriter Elvis Costello is in a reflective state of mind lately, having sifted through his life for the acclaimed memoir Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink. His backward glances extend to this solo tour, which finds the iconoclast exploring his catalog and influences in the context of his life, through creative staging and a wide-ranging set list pulling from everything from his “Angry Young Man” phase to his current, more contemplative output. Any excuse to watch Costello weave his particular brand of magic, however, is more than welcome. With Larkin Poe.

7 p.m. Tuesday. Majestic Theatre, Dallas. $59-$79.

This story was originally published October 5, 2016 at 11:46 AM with the headline "Preston’s picks: The Mavericks at Billy Bob’s Texas; Elvis Costello at Majestic Theatre."