He'll Be (Singing That Song Till He Dies)

Edwin McCain will be forever known as the guy who wrote that song that 14,000 American Idol hopefuls sing every season. "I'll Be" has become a modern standard, a ballad that works equally well at wedding receptions and talent-show stages. With its sweeping declarations ("I'll be the greatest fan of your life") and even more sweeping chorus — perfect for showing off powerful pipes — the song sounded like a hit when it came out in 1997. But it finally broke through with the help of Dawson's Creek, and McCain's been a touring machine ever since. His seventh album, Lost in America, features more of the same smart, well-crafted pop.
Sat., May 6, 7 p.m.