BY MELISSA RUGGIERI/AJC Music Scene
SATURDAY
Gillian Welch
The epitome of an indie artist, Welch just released her 2011 album, "The Harrow & The Harvest," on vinyl for the first time, via her label Acony Records label. She and musical partner, Dave Rawlings, will perform the Grammy-nominated release in its entirety.
8 p.m. Aug. 5. $25-$37.50. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com
Richard Marx and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra
It isn’t too difficult to envision some of the hit master’s smash ballads — “Right Here Waiting,” “Hold on to the Nights,” “Now and Forever” — reimagined with an orchestral bent. Can’t wait to hear their take on “Don’t Mean Nothin’.”
8 p.m. Aug. 5. $50-$100. Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City. 1-877-725-8849, ticketalternative.com
SUNDAY
Blondie/Garbage
Armed with an awesome tour name — “Rage and Rapture” — and two amazing frontwomen in Debbie Harry and Shirley Manson, there will be much fierceness displayed on stage. Blondie released its 11th studio album, “Pollinator,” in May, while Garbage dropped “Strange Little Birds” last summer. Both acts, though, are stocking their set lists with the classics that will keep fans dancing.
With Deap Vally. cq7 p.m. Aug. 6. $25-$195. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive NW, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com
Gov’t Mule
In June, Warren Haynes and his crew released the Mule's 10th studio album, "Revolution Come…Revolution Go." As one might guess from the title, the lyrics include cultural observations on the current political climate while also calling for unity. While Gov't Mule's live shows often showcase the band's incendiary live playing, it wouldn't be at all surprising to also hear a tribute to Haynes' former musical buddy, Gregg Allman.
7 p.m. Aug. 6. $39.50. With Galactic. Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre, 800 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, livenation.com
TUESDAY
Mary J. Blige
A few months after her joint tour with Maxwell, Blige is exerting her muscle with the headlining “Strength of a Woman” summer run in support of her recent album of the same name, which was written during the breakdown of her 12-year marriage. She’ll be backed by an eight-piece band (including backup singers) as she roars through crowd-pleasers including “Not Gon’ Cry,” “No More Drama” and “Family Affair.”
With Lalah Hathaway. 8 p.m. Aug. 8. $56-$126. Wolf Creek Amphitheater, 3025 Merk Road SW, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com
WEDNESDAY
Stephen Stills and Judy Collins
The inspiration for the Crosby, Stills & Nash classic, “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” is recording an album as a duo with her former paramour – and lifelong friend - the prolific Stills. This tour finds the pairing sharing a stage together for the first time as they perform together and separately. The album, “Everybody Knows,” arrives Sept. 22.
7:30 p.m. Aug. 9. $29.50-$59.50. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com
THURSDAY
John Mayer
One thing Mayer will never be accused of is being lazy. He recently visited Atlanta with a double performance – with Dead & Company at Lakewood and later that same evening at the Coca-Cola Roxy with pal Dave Chappelle – and now he's returned for his "Search for Everything" tour. Something else Mayer will never be accused of – being anything other than a superlative guitarist.
7 p.m. Aug. 10. $41-$145. With The Night Game. Lakewood Amphitheatre, 2002 Lakewood Way, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, livenation.com
