Here's something to think about whilst pondering your entertainment options: How often do you get to see what is genuinely one of the Greatest. Live. Bands. In. The. World?

Clever punctuation and capitalization aside, it's in fact true that The Mavericks are a remarkably wonderful live act — and that's not remotely to suggest their creative and diverse catalog of albums are somehow not as good. What's fun — particularly at this time of year — is that the Mavs hit the Garde Arts Center Friday in support of their new holiday album, "Hey! Merry Christmas!"

The bulk of the recording features new, self-penned seasonal material, and the concert will feature samples thereof as well as Mavericks-ian takes on established Christmas classics and secular tunes from the band's own legacy.

Miss this and Santa — a highly regarded live music enthusiast — will not be happy with you!

The Mavericks, 8 p.m. Saturday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $38-$68; (860) 444-7373, gardearts.org.