Mainstream music is such a different beast these days, so the Motown way and "Sound" seem as ancient as a tyrannosaur. Snoop Dogg has tried to bring some of the great rap of the '90s back as creative chairman of Priority Records. But this is nothing compared with how Smokey Robinson has managed to keep the soulful crooning of Motown, from so many decades ago, still a vibrant part of the music scene. If Cee Lo Green is performing at the Soul Train Awards, there's Smokey also performing. If Sesame Street's Elmo is at Kennedy Center Honors, so is Smokey. Heck, if it ain't broke ...

Why go: It's still Smokey, singing his solo hits and classic Miracles tunes.

Reconsider: Sometimes nostalgia can be overrated.

Details: 8 p.m. Friday at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond; $50-$90 (21+); 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com