See ya August! Sayonara summer! Sod off sweat! Alright, so we obviously have a few more sweltering days ahead and summer isn’t technically over, but we are officially in the first month of fall. And that of course means it’s also Labor Day weekend, and we’ve got some great gigs and festivals for you all to spend your extra long weekend in and around. We can’t ignore the mammoth geek fest that is DragonCon, but for those who can’t afford the ticket – or will just be stopping by to sneak in and be amused – here’s about half a dozen other options.
Thursday, September 1 – Train and Maroon 5 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Get the weekend started with a night of charming man-pop with the huge hits of Train and Maroon 5. They’ll be joined by Matt Nathanson.
Friday, September 2 – The District Attorneys at Smith’s Olde Bar
Atlanta favorites The District Attorneys will be showing off the new tunes they’ve been working on for their new album at Smith’s Olde Bar on Friday night.
Friday, September 2 – Sunday, September 4 – AJC Decatur Book Festival
The amazing Decatur Book Festival returns for another year, and The Decemberists’ Colin Meloy is joined by his wife, great illustrator Carson Ellis, in the keynote at Agnes Scott’s Presser Hall to chat about their adorably twee new book.
Saturday, September 3 – Men of Soul and En Vogue at Georgia International Horse Park
Jeffery Osbourne, Freddie Jackson and Peabo Bryson will be serenading the crowds with the lovely ladies of En Vogue for a super-smooth Labor Day weekend show.
Saturday, September 3 – Erasure at Center Stage
We hope you got your tickets to see the glittery awesomeness of ’80s electro party duo Erasure. Because this dance fest is SOLD OUT!
Sunday, September 4 – Drive Invasion 2011 at Starlight Six Drive-In Theatre
Psychedelic rock legend Roky Erickson will be headlining Jack Oblivion & the Tennessee Tearjerkers, Dex Romweber Duo, All Night Drug Prowling Wolves and loads more during the day. Then at night Smokey and the Bandit and others will be lighting up the screens. What more could you possibly ask for on a Labor Day weekend?
Sunday, September 4 – 7th Annual Beer and Whiskey Fest at Park Tavern
Join four ace tribute acts for some great music and tasty libations, all in aid of the Atlanta Beltline. Main Street Exiles (Rolling Stone Tribute), Ill Communication (Beastie Boys Tribute), Stoned Temple Pirates (Stone Temple Pilots Tribute) and Back N Black (AC/DC Tribute) will all be rocking out.
Monday, September 5 – Red Bull Soundclash with Ludacris and Neon Trees at West Plaza at the Georgia World Congress Center
Our very own Ludacris will be battling indie rockers Neon Trees in a soundclash of epic proportions. Red Bull are just the kings of bringing together unlikely pairings and watching them blow everyone away, so you won’t want to miss this one.
On Sales:
The Sounds With Special Guests Natalia Kills And The Limousines at Masquerade, November 7 – on sale Friday, September 2 at 10 a.m.
The Devil Wears Prada at Masquerade, December 5 – on sale Friday, September 2 at 10 a.m.
Perpetual Groove at Center Stage, December 31 – on sale Friday, September 2 at noon.
