Music Forecast 2.12–2.18: Barry Manilow, the Beach Boys, John Mellencamp, Marian Hill, Kelley Hunt and more

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John Mellencamp
After enough listens of John Mellencamp’s Plain Spoken, you can begin to pick out how his voice has aged since the heyday of “Jack and Diane.” The Indiana native sounds a bit rougher around the edges, a little lonelier, on his latest album. Mellencamp has traded the swelling American pride of “Small Town” for the blues-fueled regret of “Troubled Man” and the bitterness of “The Isolation of Mister.” If you’re spending Valentine’s Day alone, perhaps the gruff-voiced melancholia of the divorced Mr. Mellencamp can be your soundtrack.
Saturday, February 14, the Midland (1228 Main, 816-283-9921)

Barry Manilow
If your day needs a boost, spend a half-hour watching Barry Manilow performances from the 1970s. The man is a golden nugget of smooth grooves, sparkling smiles and confident hair tosses — and he’s still as apple-cheeked and winking as when “Mandy” was killing it on the charts four decades ago. Fanilows can bask in his resplendent glory Thursday as he brings his “One Last Time” Tour to the Sprint Center.
Thursday, February 12, Sprint Center (1407 Grand, 816-949-7000)

The Beach Boys
It’s a shame that most millennials know the Beach Boys only for the classic hit “God Only Knows,” thanks to the Love Actually soundtrack. Obviously, that 2003 film is a fan-favorite romantic comedy, but the California act deserves a lot more credit. Pet Sounds, the 1966 album that debuted “God Only Knows” and a host of other classics, sounds just as good today as it did then. And even though Mike Love is the only original Beach Boy on this tour, you shouldn’t let that stop you from enjoying the music of one of the most successful American bands of all time.
Friday, February 13, Ameristar Casino (3200 North Ameristar Drive, 816-414-7000)

Oils
The music of Oils can be both fierce and soothing, just like love. It’s fitting then that the Lawrence band has arranged a special, intimate Valentine’s Day show at Love Garden Sounds. Lead singer Andrew Frederick has a voice that can mend broken hearts and inspire romance. So whether you’re partnered or totally, desperately alone Saturday, there’s a spot for you in this crowd.

Saturday, February 14, Love Garden Sounds (822 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-843-1551)

Marian Hill
If you didn’t get yours on Valentine’s Day, don’t worry. Philadelphia’s Marian Hill plays the Tank Room Sunday night, and this dynamic duo inspires sexy times with a hypnotic power equal to Al Green, Barry White and Sade. Samantha Gongol’s atmospheric voice slinks through producer Jeremy Lloyd’s smoky beats, reverberating synths and seductive saxophone lines. Bring your lover — or find a new one — at this sensual show.

Sunday, February 15, the Tank Room (1813 Grand, 816-352-5382)

Kelley Hunt
Blues singer and pianist Kelley Hunt possesses a voice of rare and unsettling majesty. On the Kansas City native’s latest album, The Beautiful Bones, Hunt delivers 50 minutes of soul-stirring, gospel-tinged blues. It’s the kind of thing that makes you want to dance and cry, sometimes simultaneously. If you really want to feel the love on Valentine’s Day, head to the Folly to catch this singular local talent.

Saturday, February 14, Folly Theater (300 W. 12th St., 816-474-4444)