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John Mayer's latest album is a collection of acoustic songs that evoke several styles of music from the 1970s.

John Mayer | 'Born and Raised'

On “Born and Raised,” John Mayer is in a state of retreat, repentance and nostalgia.

After a couple of years of bad behavior and bad publicity, he has left Hollywood, moved to somewhere near Bozeman, Mont., and committed the act of contrition on TV (“Ellen”). This week he released “Born and Raised,” a collection of breezy acoustic songs dipped in several flavors of ’70s music: country blues, acoustic Southern rock, California folk, soft rock. Here and there it evokes the styles of everyone from Neil Young and James Taylor to the laid-back Allman Brothers.

Chevy to give local bands some spotlight

It's called the Chevy Music Showcase/Kansas City, a series of short documentaries on eight local bands, presented by local Chevy dealers. Starting May 30, the documentaries will air on KCWE Wednesday's between 9:30  and 10 p.m. during "Entertainment Tonight" and between 10:30 and 11:00 pm during "The Office". On Thursdays, episodes will air on KMBC during "The Big Bang Theory" (11:05 - 11:35 pm) and during the "Jimmy Kimmel Show" show at  midnight.  On Fridays, the episodes will again air during the "Jimmy Kimmel Show" show. For the list of bands and the schedule, see below. There is also a free Chevy Music Showcase tonight at the Record Bar featuring two of the eight bands: Sons of Great Dane and Making Movies. Show time is 8 p.m.

On the way: Reel Big Fish and friends

They'll headline an all-ages show at the Beaumont Club on July 14, a Saturday. Also on the bill: Big D & the Kids Table, Suburban Legends and the Maxies. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. $19.  

On the way: White Denim

If you missed their set at Middle of the Map or saw it and are craving a longer one, here's your chance. They'll be at the Jackpot Music Hall on July 26, a Thursday. Tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. $10.

On the way: Frank Turner

Turner & the Sleeping Souls are  coming to the Granada in Lawrence on Sept. 17, a Monday. Tickets on sale now. $12.

On the way: Justin Bieber

He is coming to the Sprint Center on Oct. 26, a Friday. Opener: Carly Rae Jepsen. Tickets on sale  at 10 a.m. June 2. Prices: $39.50 to $85.

Review: Van Halen

Photos by Jill Toyoshiba/The Star

If there is dysfunction and dissension in Camp Van Halen, none was evident Tuesday night. A few days after it announced the postponement of dozens of shows on its tour, amid rumors that band members “hated each other,” according to Rolling Stone, Van Halen headlined a show at the Sprint Center. And everything appeared hunky-dory.

Review: Creed

Scott Stapp and Mark Tremonti. Photos by Jill Toyoshiba/The Star

Creed was once the biggest band in the world, a commercial juggernaut that filled arenas and sold tens of millions of albums. After a breakup in 2004, lead singer Scott Stapp launched a solo career, his mates started another hard rock band called Alter Bridge and some bad blood existed between the two sides. 

Review: Daughtry

Photos by Allison Long/The Star

Six years after his fourth-place finish in “American Idol,” Chris Daughtry isn’t the live draw he used to be, but he remains a hero among a large group of loyal fans. Friday night, his band Daughtry headlined a show at the Midland.

Review: George Clinton

George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Star’s concerts at Crossroads KC have become a rite of spring. The troupe has performed there almost every year since the venue opened. It was clear from the first song, however, that something was different at Friday night’s concert.