Looks like the temperatures are coming down just a tiny bit, which means this weekend will be much more bearable and you should be getting out to even more shows now that there’s less fear of melting into the pavement. So we’ve got a nice little selection of outdoor gigs, as well as some great club gigs for those who still aren’t quite ready to deal with non-air conditioned spaces. And we also have a slew of on-sales, which just goes to prove that this fall is going to be a whole bunch of music madness, and we can’t wait.
Thursday, August 26 – Tears for Fears at Chastain Park Amphitheatre
We all know that “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” still rings as true today, even with the slightly dated harmonies – it’s still a tune we can all still dig. Tears for Fears are definitely one of those ’80s groups that transcends time with their deep songwriting, and we’re glad they’re back on the road.
Friday, August 27 – Georgia Fireflies with Damion Suomi and the Minor Prophets at The EARL
Local lovely country-folk ensemble Georgia Fireflies will be joined by wonderful P is for Panda artist Damion Suomi for a kick-ass night of southeast talent at The EARL on Friday night.
Friday, August 27 – Natalie Merchant at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Though she isn’t quite in the music spotlight as she used to be when tunes like “Wonder” were everywhere, but happily Natalie Merchant is still making chart-topping music lead by that incredibly distinct voice. Her latest, Leave Your Sleep, topped the Billboard Folk Albums at number 1, Amazon.com at number 1, and iTunes at number 3.
Saturday, August 28 – Slippery When Wet at The Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater
If you fancy listening to the tunes of the Jersey’s Sons of Rock – yes, Bon Jovi – in a slightly less mad, less expensive atmosphere, then you’ll be needing to check out The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute, Slippery When Wet, at The Fred in Peachtree City.
Saturday, August 28 – Who’s Bad at Center Stage
Speaking of great tributes, Who’s Bad will be celebrating the life of Michael Jackson to a packed house at Center Stage. Which will mean plenty of one-gloved, moon-walking, yelping, dancing folks on the floor.
Saturday, August 28 – Oryx and Crake CD Release Party at The EARL
Atlanta has been getting quite giddy over the music of Oryx and Crake, which is just lush orchestral pop that will charm everyone it meets. Put them on a lineup with Venice is Sinking and Book of Colors, and you’ve got a dreamy night of incredibly lush music.
Sunday, August 29 – Billy Idol and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts at Chastain Park Amphitheatre
The weekend will end on a night of punk (well, sort of, depending on the way you look at that difficult genre) legends when Billy Idol‘s bleached head will meet Joan Jett‘s pitch black one. Prepare for lots of snarling, cool posing, and probably leather pants.
On-sales:
Plates on Peachtree at Corner of 7th St & Peachtree St, September 25 and 26 – on sale Monday, August 30 at 10 a.m.
Mary J. Blige at Chastain Park Amphitheatre, October 2 – on sale Saturday, August 28 at 10 a.m.
Beach House at 40 Watt, October 16 – on sale Friday, August 27 at 10 a.m.
We Are Scientists at Masquerade, October 19 – on sale Friday, August 27 at 10 a.m.
Lifehouse at The Tabernacle, October 26 – on sale Saturday, August 28 at 10 a.m.
Bad Religion at Masquerade, October 31 – on sale Saturday, August 28 at 10 a.m.
Hanson at Variety Playhouse, November 10 – on sale Friday, August 27 at 10 a.m.
Joe Satriani at Center Stage, December 1 – on sale Friday, August 27 at noon
