A decade ago, Lovett got all sorts of attention for being a new (read: progressive) kind of country artist, but his inner good ol’ boy has gradually emerged. A couple of years back, he nearly got stomped to death by a bull, and we’re not sure if this is somehow related, but last month he ushered in the second G.W. Bush administration by headlining the “Black Tie and Boots” Ball. If anyone out there thinks he’s still somehow “alt country” or a kinder, gentler redneck, well, we’ve got some West Texas scrubland to sell you. Still, there’s a considerable amount of songwriting heft on this bill, what with Lovett’s swing-inflected balladry, Hiatt’s soulful anthems, Ely’s rough-hewn roots-rock, and Clark’s sharp-eyed folk storytelling. Any one of these artists could keep a concert audience rapt; collectively, they ought to leave our heads reeling with well-turned phrases and melodies. 805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-339-7007, www.hennepintheatredistrict.com www.hennepintheatredistrict.com
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