This week's concert lineup boasts plenty of local acts. Catch KXT-FM 91.7 radio host Paul Slavens on Monday night at Dan's Silver Leaf as he plays a comedic night of improv, or see country acts The Texas Gentlemen and Eleven Hundred Springs or The Vandoliers' Holiday Hoedown at Three Links on Wednesday night. Elvis Costello and Bone Thugs -N- Harmony top the week's touring acts.
The Funky Knuckles
9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19 at Three Links, 2704 Elm St., threelinksdeepellum.com, free
The Funky Knuckles have been together for almost a decade. In 2014, the band's second album, Meta-Musica, hit No. 1 on iTunes’ jazz chart the first day of its release. The band has played with major national and local acts such as Beyoncé, Erykah Badu, Chrisette Michele, Talib Kweli, Puff Daddy and The Polyphonic Spree. The band incorporates elements of improv and thoughtful compositions into its sets. Last year's release, New Birth, has seen much critical acclaim within the jazz community. Diamond Victoria
Paul Slavens and Friends
9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19 at Dan's Silverleaf, 103 Industrial St., Denton, 940-320-2000, danssilverleaf.com, free
Paul Slavens, frontman of the late '80s and early '90s band Ten Hands, is pretty well known around these parts. His radio show on KXT-FM 91.7 has earned him many Dallas Observer Music Award titles, including this year's nomination for Best Radio Show/Podcast. But he also hosts an impromptu show at Dan’s Silver Leaf in Denton. He takes song-title suggestions from people and creates music based on those titles right on the spot. You can catch him at Dan's most Monday nights. DV
Singer-Songwriter Night with Josh Fleming
7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19 at Fort Worth Live, 306 N. Houston St., 817-945-8890 or fortworthlive.live, free
Joshua Fleming, vocalist and guitarist for local cowpunk sextet Vandoliers, recently began hosting a recurring gig to welcome new songwriters at Fort Worth Live. By sharing his knowledge of the music biz, Fleming hopes to help young musicians find their foothold in the industry. During this "songwriter's night," as he calls it, Fleming plays his music and considers it a great chance to try out new material for the audience. He also wants the Monday night sets to be a way for young songwriters to hone their craft and network with local veteran musicians for potential collaborations. If you're looking to catch a first glimpse at some of the area's best up-and-coming singer-songwriters, this weekly gig is the place to be. DV
The Vandoliers' Holiday Hoedown
8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21 at Three Links, 2704 Elm St., threelinksdeepellum.com, $12
It's that time of year when concerts aren't just concerts, they're holiday hoedowns – well, at least tonight's show at Three Links boasts such a yuletide title. The Vandoliers are throwing a "Vandoliers' Holiday Hoedown" featuring the band's unique outlaw country-tinged rock 'n roll as well as Pedigo's Magic Pilsner, 40 Acre Mule and Joshua Ray Walker. DV
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21 at The Bomb Factory, 2713 Canton St., $37.50-$55
One of hip hop's most prolific acts, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is the only group to have ever worked with all four artists 2-Pac, Notorious B.I.G., Eazy-E and Big Pun. You could say they're a gangster rap version of Boyz II Men with less angry lyrics than Three 6 Mafia. (The members even pulled a Ramones and changed their last names to Bones). The group has undergone a series of lineup changes over the past couple of decades, but even after their mainstream decline in the late '90s, Bone Thugs has continued to release material that goes above and beyond industry norms. Following in Wu-Tang Clan's footsteps, Bone Thugs made one copy of their final album, E. 1999 Legends, in 2015 and received a $1 million bid. They've since announced their retirement from making music but will still be touring. DV
Hard Night's Day
8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Ave., $19-$29
Experience the magic of John, Paul, George and Ringo through Hard Night's Day tonight at Granada Theater. You could say they're almost the venue's house band given how often they play there, but tonight's show isn't just a run-of-the-mill gig. The tribute band is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' seminal 1968 album The Beatles, often referred to as The White Album. DV
10th Annual Toys for Tots
with Drowning Pool, P.O.D. and more. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24 at Trees, 2709 Elm St., $19.71-$38.50
Trees' 10th annual Toys for Tots is happening a little earlier than usual this year but still includes some familiar faces. Drowning Pool has played nearly every one of the venue's charitable events and is back tonight along with P.O.D, Islander and more. The event has collected more than 5,000 toys over the years for children whose families suffer financial strain. DV
The Texas Gentlemen
8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23 at The Kessler Theater, 1230 W. Davis St., $20
The Texas Gentlemen are a Dallas-based rotating group of about 25 studio musicians who play with about five members at a time. They mix honky-tonk with rock 'n' roll and have shared the stage with Kris Kristofferson. Members come from all parts of the country — from Texas to Nashville and New York City — and although they play mainly country-inspired music, most were raised on the Beatles and '60s psych-rock. DV
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23 at The Global Event Center at The Winstar Resort and Casino, 777 Casino Ave, Thackerville, Okla., $24 and up at ticketmaster.com
Elvis Costello has been a well-known musical figure for just a tad over 40 years now. The author of iconic jams like "Radio, Radio," "Alison," and "Watching The Detectives," among many others, is at the elder statesman phase of his career now. After all, his songs have now been around long enough to cycle through multiple generations. However, Costello chooses not to revel in past glories. He's back out on the road, after a recent cancer scare and all, touring the country in support of his latest album, Look Now. Recorded with his longtime backing band, The Attractions, who will also accompany him onstage, the songs contained within focus deeply on aging, mortality and the tricky nature of time. Contemplative matters, for sure. But like his best signature tunes, they're delivered with a spunky and sly enthusiasm that demands attention and begs for bobbing heads. Hear some of the new tunes and revel in the classics when the band commands the Winstar on a post-Thanksgiving Friday. Jeff Strowe
Eleven Hundred Springs
9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, at Dan's Silver Leaf, 103 Industrial St., Denton, $12
Eleven Hundred Springs has developed a devoted fan base over its 10-album career, walking a fine line between Americana, country and Red Dirt. The local favorite formed in 1998 by frontman Matt Hillyer. It's seen its share of lineup changes since, but Hillyer remains a driving force in the band. DV
