By: Shelby Lum
Look no further for plans, Atlanta, we know what your doing (and it’s probably something on this list!). Whether you are wanting to make the most of your time with a trip to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens paired with some fantastic music, or looking for something a little different in the electronic world at The Drunken Unicorn, Atlanta has all you are looking for.
Don’t sulk about the impending Atlanta rain, go out and enjoy some live music!
Here is Atlanta Music Guide’s weekend picks:
Friday, August 9th-Mary Chapin Carpenter & Shawn Colvin @ Atlanta Botanical Garden
A five time Grammy award winner, Mary Chapin Carpenter is not one to miss this weekend. She’s had single after single on Billboard’s country hits, and has continued to amaze audiences for well over a decade since she began.
Friday, August 9th-Tony Lucca @ Eddie’s Attic
Think back to the days when Tony Lucca began in the Micky Mouse club, and then to when he began acting for a bit, but he has come leaps and bounds since then having immersed himself in the music world for 16 years now. He was even fought for while on the Voice!
Friday, August 9th-Octopus Project @ The Drunken Unicorn
For a more instrumental night, head to The Drunken Unicorn for The Octopus Project. A night filled with digital sounds and electronic beats, the Texas based band has been making waves with it’s experimental indietronica. Their most recent album dropped just last month so expect to hear new tunes from “Fever Forms.”
Friday, August 9th-Roadkill Ghost Choir @ The Earl
With influences like Wilco, Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan, and Fleetwood Mac, Roadkill Ghost Choir has a little something for everyone. The indie folk rockers started off with singer Andrew touring solo and needing a fuller sound with a full band.
Friday, August 9th-Mad Decent Block Party @ The Masquerade
ALL day performances. Need we say more? Head down to The Masquerade for Major Lazer, Dillion Francis, Flossstradamus, RL Grime, Riff Raff, heRobust, Kito & Reija Lee, and Sasha Go Hard.
Friday, August 9th-Gipsy Kings @ Chastain
For a night of rumba flamenca music, Chastain park is where you need to be. Bring your dancing shoes, because the music will be perfect for salsa, rumba, and for moving all night. Hailing from southern France, these guys are ready to bring diverse music to the heart of Atlanta.
Saturday, August 10th-Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers @ Atlanta Botanical Garden
Singer and keyboardist might not sound very exciting, but that’s not the case with Bruce Hornsby. He is known for his spontaneity and creative live performances, his music and live shows being unlike any you have seen before. Currently he is touring with his bluegrass band the Noisemakers, so be sure to stop by the Botanical Gardens to see him in person.
Saturday, August 10th-Grand Funk Railroad @ The Fredrick Brown Junior Amphitheater
Throw back to the 70s to one of the best American blues bands in town. They might not have released a new album lately, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sing along to all their classics!
Saturday, August 10th-The Bonaventure Quartet @ Eddie’s Attic
Inspired by the great French gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt, The Bonaventure Quartet has dedicated itself to playing anything Reinhardt influenced. Even better, their performance at Eddie’s will also be a CD release, so go check out these Atlanta locals for yourself.
Saturday, August 10th-Zo! Concert Release @ Vinyl
Detroit raised Zo! was first a producer, and has not moved on to being a multi-instrumentalist musician. After teaching himself how to play the piano at 11 years old, the rest was history as his parents encouraged him to stick with his musical talents. Go out to Vinyl and support his CD release.
Saturday, August 10th-Justin Bieber @ Philips Arena
Admit it, whether he’s a guilty pleasure or you have his posters tacked up around your room, you could probably sing along to several (if not more) Justin Bieber songs. He’s a teen idol and phenomenon. You might be a “Belieber” already or you might be well on your way to becoming one, regardless, JB is hitting Atlanta!
Saturday, August 10th-Masquerade Musicians Showcase @ The Masquerade
Local bands are coming to the Masquerade to compete for prizes and cash! This Saturday features Futo, Pillage and Plunder, Radio Birds, Look Alive, and Clibber Jones Ensemble.
Saturday, August 10th-Under the Sun: Smashmouth, Sugar Ray and more! @ Chastain Park
It’s been over ten years, but I can still sing every word to “All Star” by Smashmouth. They are just an iconic part of the 90s that will never (and should never) be forgotten. Joining them will be Sugar Ray among other fan favorites.
Saturday, August 10th-Big Mike Geier @ Variety Playhouse
If anyone’s life needs to be celebrated and commemorated it’s Elvis’, and Big Mike Geier will be doing just that. Big Mike is the energetic leader of the big band Kingsized Rock ‘n Roll Orchestra, so come out and enjoy a night of all your Elvis favorites.
Sunday, August 11th-Erin McCarley @ Eddie’s Attic
From San Diego and then to Nashville, Erin McCarley has been getting into the country music scene in whatever way she can, and after wowing audiences at South by Southwest in 2008, she secured a record deal to continue putting out more country tunes for even more listeners.
