Rising above an unwanted stage name and initial criticism of him being a second-rate Springsteen clone, John Mellencamp is rightfully recognized as one of the best mainstream songwriters of his generation. Demonstrating his mastery of heartland rock 'n' roll within such classic albums as “American Fool” and “Scarecrow” and numerous chart-topping singles (“Jack & Diane,” “Hurts So Good,” “Small Town” and “Pink Houses”), the former Johnny Cougar is a true man of the Midwest and its farm-grown idealism. On the road touring behind his latest album, “No Better than This,” produced by T-Bone Burnett, Mellencamp is scheduled to perform at the Landmark Theater on Thursday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. Preceding the performances will be a screening of a documentary about the making of the album and Mellencamp's recent stadium tour with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. $45-$255.