With “Speak Now” Taylor Swift ups the singer/songwriter aspect of her art and turns down the radio-ready emphasis a notch. It is a little less calculated and a little more comfortable than her last two, especially 2008′s non-stop hit factory “Fearless.”

It is also less focused and tight, but since this is Swift’s debut effort without any co-writers, her melodies and lyrics composed independently, this was inevitable. The result is akin to comfort food – unpretentious, honest and warm. She has the natural talent and flair for catchy song craft to make a less precious recording – which “Speak Now” certainly is – work especially well.

Price: $5.00

After stops in Spain, Portugal and Italy, Natalie Cole will be bringing her soulful sounds to French lick Resort on Friday, September 24. The special one-night-only performance at 8 p.m. is just one of two Midwest tour dates for Cole.

The daughter of jazz and pop legend Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole has forged her own prolific career.

Before she captured 1975’s Best New Artist Grammy, Cole appealed to fans and critics alike with her versatility as an R&B, pop and jazz singer of the first order. Her repertoire includes such number one hits as “This will be (An Everlasting Love),” “Inseparable,” “Our Love,” “I’ve Got Love On My Mind,” “Pink Cadillac” and “Miss You Like Crazy.”

The eight-time Grammy winner continues to astonish with her vocal dexterity and her intimate, knowing way with lyrics and melodies.

Tickets priced from $29-$99 are available on Ticketmaster.

Via