Atlanta Concerts this week: Xscape, The Babys

Xscape will bring their reunion tour back home on New Year's Eve. Photo: Getty Images

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Xscape will bring their reunion tour back home on New Year's Eve. Photo: Getty Images

FRIDAY

Widespread Panic

Die-hard fans of the Athens jam kings were understandably bummed when the band took its traditional New Year’s Eve show to Nashville last year. But they’re back for a trio of more intimate shows at the Fox. Since the band is renowned for breaking out covers during its holiday shows, www.jambase.com has compiled a handy list of 10 cover songs the Panic has debuted at a New Year’s Eve concert.

8 p.m. Dec. 29-30; 9 p.m. Dec. 31. $92.25-$165.85 for individual shows or $276.75-$497.55 for three-show package. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.

SATURDAY

Band of Horses

The indie rock quartet released its fifth studio album, “Why Are You OK,” in June 2016, the final album for members Tyler Ramsey and Bill Reynolds, who departed in May. They’ve been replaced by Richard Fitzpatrick on guitar and Matt Gentling on bass. The band has made no secret of its love for Georgia; in 2010, it covered CeeLo Green’s “Georgia,” and frontman Ben Bridwell, whose parents grew up in Atlanta, always tries to schedule a local run of New Year’s shows.

8 p.m. Dec. 30; 9 p.m. Dec. 31. $50. Coca-Cola Roxy, 800 Battery Ave. S.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.livenation.com.

SUNDAY

Xscape

Since reuniting earlier this year, the beloved Atlanta group — Kandi Burruss-Tucker, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, and sisters LaTocha and Tamika Scott — has performed at the BET Awards and embarked on “The Great Xscape Tour.” As we know, reunions are often fleeting, so enjoy hearing “Just Kickin’ It,” “Understanding,” “Who Can I Run To” and other favorites while you have the opportunity.

With Tamar Braxton. 8 p.m. $89-$149. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.

Moon Taxi

The Nashville indie rockers will visit Atlanta for a couple of nights and will release their latest album, “Let the Record Play,” their first for RCA Records, a couple of weeks into 2018. The guys have shared tours with Gov’t Mule and Umphrey’s McGee, and they spent a good part of 2016 on the festival circuit.

With Ripe and Elel on Dec. 30 and Stop Light Observations and Luthi on Dec. 31. 9:30 p.m. both nights. $30.50 Dec. 30; $42.50 Dec. 31. Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.livenation.com.

Tauk

Considering the sonic palette of this New York quartet — funk, jazz, prog rock, hip-hop — it’s no surprise that they’ll also be joined by the Naughty Horns onstage. The band’s third studio album, “Sir Nebula,” arrived last year.

With Naughty Professor. 9 p.m. $25-$30 (18 and older only). Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 1-877-987-6487, www.ticketfly.com.

Michelle Malone

Whether it’s rock, blues or Americana, Malone is one of the best in the business — Atlanta or otherwise. She just wrapped a Kickstarter campaign for her 15th album, “Slings and Arrows,” which arrives this month. No doubt she and the Michelle Malone Band will sprinkle in some new tracks as they rock in the new year with a pair of shows.

7:30 and 10 p.m. $30 for each show or $50 for general admission to both. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-725-8849, www.eddiesattic.com.

Rumors — Fleetwood Mac Tribute

The six Atlanta musicians who present this musical homage to Fleetwood Mac have been mastering their tribute since 2014. Members adopt similar names and costumes to match their famous counterparts — Kenzie Nicks, Doug Buckingham, Adrienne McVie, Alex Thrift Buckingham, Jerry McVie, Meanface Bear Lightnin’ Fleetwood — and give audiences a full Mac attack with three sets of classics.

8:30 p.m. Dec. 30-31. $30-$150. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 1-877-725-8849, www.smithsoldebar.com.

Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics

The Atlanta funk-soul outfit fronted by the sultry Velle is known for seesawing between revivalist authenticity and fresh R&B. And they know how to instigate a party, too. Their second album, “State of All Things,” is due early in the new year, but fans can check out the new single, “Broken Woman,” now.

10:30 p.m. $20-$100. Venkman’s, 740 Ralph McGill Blvd. N.E., Atlanta. 470-225-6162, venkmans.com.

THURSDAY

The Babys

John Waite is no longer part of the crew, but the reformed version of the British band is still cranking out those late-’70s melodic rockers such as “Every Time I Think of You” and “Isn’t It Time.” Co-founders Tony Brock (drums) and Wally Stocker (lead guitar) jump-started The Babys in 2013 with lead singer/bassist John Bisaha, guitarist Joey Sykes, keyboardist Francesco Saglietti and The Babettes — Holly Bisaha and Elisa Chadbourne.

7:30 p.m. Jan. 4. $30-$100. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-725-8849, www.eddiesattic.com.