John Prine is no stranger to Ann Arbor, and the 64-year-old folky is swooping back into town, bringing his brand of streetwise songwriting rumored to have made Kris Kristofferson make the playfully jealous comment that his writing is so good, “we’ll have to break his thumbs.” But, instead of mutilating his fingers Kristofferson pushed Prine into the spotlight, sparking a career that made him a staple on the poetic songwriting circuit. Over 40 years later, Prine’s calm, gritty voice will still grab you, and his soul-stirring stare will make you believe him. 8pm. $45-$69.50. 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8397. www.michtheater.org