It's Dan Hicks at the Kate

Some music ... well, you just wonder why the artist bothered. Thanks a lot for "Metal Machine Music," Lou Reed!

This is never a problem with Dan Hicks, who performs Friday with his Hot Licks at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. For over four decades, Hicks has written in and explored a variety of styles and, in each case, the joy of creativity sizzles.

Even in the most somber ballads or raw blues, Hicks taps into his own heart and soul. And when he rocks, he damned well rocks! Expect a nice cross section of material, including tunes from the last studio album, "Tangled Tales."

- RICK KOSTER

Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, 8 p.m. Friday, Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook; $45; 1-877-503-1286, thekate.org.