Amos leads ‘Sinful’ tour Summer scene: Snoop Dog to Dylan

Majic 107.5/97.5 ’90s Throwback Summer Jam

Headlined by former New Edition members Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant, this retro R&B show is for those who want to experience their favorite ’80s and ’90s ballads again. Girl group SWV (Sisters With Voices) provides additional soulful hits, with Next setting the mood as opener.

8 p.m. July 3. $15-$69. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-733-5012, www.vzwamp.com.

John Legend

This Grammy-winning, multi-platinum R&B singer/pianist brings his summer tour to Atlanta this month, and he’s bringing fellow neo-soul singer (and former Atlantan) India.Arie along for the ride. Legend’s younger brother and backup singer Vaughn Anthony will take to the stage as the opening act to get the good-time grooves going.

8 p.m. July 5. $39-$69. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-233-2227, www.chastainseries.com.

Hank III & Assjack

Like Hanks Jr. and Sr. before him, the latest in the legendary Williams country lineage is a rebellious soul whose life seems to be filled with hard luck and tragedy. Thankfully, such life experience helps fuel his country and metal songs. And seeing him live is like seeing three bands as he does entire sets of outlaw country, hillbilly and heavy metal.

7 p.m. July 8. $20. Masquerade (Heaven), 695 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-577-8178, www.masq.com.

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth was at the forefront of alternative rock before that even became a genre unto itself. Known for experimental noise rock, but also capable of creating more structured and catchy songs, the band was a huge influence on various musical movements of the ’90s and continues to inspire younger acts. The Entrance Band opens.

8 p.m. July 13. $25. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave., Atlanta. 404-524-7354, www.variety-playhouse.com.

Aerosmith and ZZ Top

These two hard rock acts have weathered many musical trends since the ’70s, remaining at the top of their genre to this day. And when their current co-headlining tour comes to Atlanta, there won’t likely be any shortage of sing-along hits and crowd favorites from some of rock’s consummate showmen.

7:30 p.m. July 15. $35-$450. Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood, 2002 Lakewood Way, Atlanta. 404-443-5000, www.livenation.com.

Regeneration Tour ‘09

Those nostalgic for their favorite ’80s synth pop and dance hits will love this year’s Regeneration Tour lineup. It consists of New Wave favorites ABC, Wang Chung, Cutting Crew and Berlin (with Terri Nunn), who were collectively responsible for dozens of hits. Most of these bands have fallen into obscurity in recent years, so we’ll see whether they can still get a party going like they did a few decades ago.

7 p.m. July 15. $19-$55. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-733-5012, www.classicchastain.com.

Chris Isaak

Best known for his early ’90s hit “Wicked Game,” Isaak’s twangy, country-tinged roots rock has crossed over with fans of many genres. His classic movie star good looks have likely also helped the sometime actor appeal specifically to female audiences. He comes to town this month with contemporary pop songstress Michelle Branch opening.

8 p.m. July 25. $25-$75. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-733-5012, www.classicchastain.com.

Tool

One of the more enigmatic acts to emerge during the alternative rock era of the ’90s, Tool’s shows are as visually cerebral as its intricate musicianship and lyricism. On previous tours, the band has been known to use entire arenas, creating a monumental rock experience for everyone in attendance. Fans can likely expect no different as the band returns later this month.

7:30 p.m. July 27. $43-$63. The Arena at Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-813-7500, www.gwinnettcenter.com.

Blazed and Confused Tour

Co-headlined by rapper Snoop Dogg and reggae rock act Slightly Stoopid, this tour brings a little West Coast party vibe to Atlanta. Both acts are known for their creative methods of chilling out and will likely provide the perfect summer relaxation atmosphere. Stephen Marley and Mickey Avalon round out the bill.

5 p.m. July 30. $39.50. Masquerade Music Park, 695 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-577-8178, www.masq.com.

The Bob Dylan Show

Though Bob Dylan is the headlining act on this variety show-like tour, the rest of the lineup is equally impressive. From John Mellencamp’s Americana rock to Willie Nelson’s legendary country tunes, Dylan’s folk rock rounds out an eclectic, yet complementary, set of American music legends. The Wiyos are also on the bill.

5:30 p.m. July 30. $37.50-$84.50. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-733-5012, www.vzwamp.com.

A piano prodigy from an early age, Tori Amos’ conservative Southern upbringing has been a lyrical focal point since her emergence onto the alternative rock scene in the early ’90s. Her latest album, “Abnormally Attracted to Sin,” continues to address these and other themes, perhaps in a more direct way than any of her previous work. With her “Sinful Attraction Tour” coming to Atlanta this month, Amos discusses the album, Atlanta and unfortunate coincidences.

Q: You always seem to include Atlanta as one of your tour stops. How does playing in Atlanta compare with other cities?

A: The reception in Atlanta is always one of the best. There seems to be a connection with the music and the people. I don’t know if it’s because of the religious viewpoint of the songs and the understanding. My father is a Methodist minister, and my parents both hail from the South. My father went to Emory University and studied theology, then got his doctorate at Boston University years later. My parents are very much Southern Christians. I think there are people who come to the shows that have grown up in similar environments, and maybe that’s the connection.

Q: The last time you performed in Atlanta was in 2007, when you portrayed the different characters that appeared on the “American Doll Posse” album. How will the themes of your latest album be brought to life on this tour?

A: That’s a good question. I had to think long and hard on how to make the tour work and how to feature the new music and yet how to respect the fact that people are coming because of the catalog. When I was doing my first couple of tours, figuring out my set list wasn’t that hard because I only had 12 songs with B-sides, or 24 songs with B-sides after “Under the Pink.” But now there are hundreds of songs in the catalog, and I had to prioritize songs that weren’t the same —- some that are more rhythmic, some that have a more confrontational side, some that are more piano-based —- and find a balance so that after a two-hour show people feel like they’ve had the full experience. So I’ve tried to create, with Matt Chamberlain on drums and Jon Evans on bass, a dynamic kind of show.

Q: You’ve been known to collaborate with the metal band Tool from time to time. Coincidentally, that band is playing the same night as your show.

A: Which is a drag, because I’ve been promising Maynard [James Keenan, singer] that I would come to a show for 10 years. And he owes me a bottle of his wine, so it’s unfortunate we’re playing the same night.

Tori Amos with One eskimO, 8 p.m. July 27. $33.50-$43.50. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-233-2227, www.chastainseries.com.

July concerts

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