By now, Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt — two of the finest songwriters in the world, period — have performed over 100 acoustic concerts together. The format's charming and well established: they sit next to one another and alternate mostly solo performances of tunes from their respective, Mariana Trench-deep catalogs. Between songs, the banter and anecdotes offer rich and mostly hilarious autobiographical glimpses of their lives, songs, and careers.

While they've been doing this a while now, the presentations and stories never seem old or tired. It's clear the two are close friends whose respect for one another is as big as their talent. In a can't miss opportunity for fans (and even those who might not be particularly familiar with either or both artists), Hiatt and Lovett share the Garde Arts Center stage Friday. Expect hits, deep cuts, warm stories and plenty of laughter.

Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt, 8 p.m. Friday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $48-$88; (860) 444-7373.