John Prine

One of the finest lyricists this side of Bob Dylan, John Prine’s only given us two albums of new material in the last two decades, larding the cupboard with live discs, old demos, re-recorded hits and covers albums. Someone should tell him to get off his ass. But who has the stature to tell this cancer survivor that we expect more? Few stand on Prine’s beam. Possessor of an easy folksy charm disguising sly regular guy wit and keen observations as direct as the simple accompaniment he typically chooses, Prine channels a deep abiding compassion and is smart without sounding not-from-around-here. His tongue’s as sharp as his heart is big, and that’s what makes him great. With Alejandro Escovedo. $49.50-$59.50, 8pm Monday, Lila Cockrell Theatre, 200 E Market, (800) 745-3000, ticketmaster.com.