BY MELISSA RUGGIERI
FRIDAY
Music Midtown
For two days, 30 bands spanning classic rock (Van Halen, Billy Idol), current pop (Sam Smith, Vance Joy), hip-hop (Run the Jewels, Drake) and so-legendary-he-requires-his-own-category (Elton John) will spread across four stages in Piedmont Park for the 2015 iteration of Music Midtown. We suggest you check out our All Things Music Midtown page for daily schedules, playlists, concert recaps, photos and video.
Gates open at 4 p.m. Sept. 18 and noon Sept. 19. $125 (two-day general admission), $600 (two-day VIP), $1,200 (two-day Super VIP). Piedmont Park, 1342 Worchester Drive N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
Seth MacFarlane
The multi-talented MacFarlane is best known for his TV and movie creations ("Family Guy," "Ted"). But those who recall his Oscar-hosting stint remember that, despite it being a hit-or-miss attempt, MacFarlane's vocal chops are the real deal. In a recent interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, MacFarlane said his earliest musical loves were Frank Sinatra and soundtrack composers such as John Williams and James Horner. He'll share his affection for cinematic orchestral arrangements in a performance with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
8 p.m. Sept. 18. $29.50-$99.50. Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Kristin Chenoweth
Some performers have a hard time shaking the role most associated with them. But, while the Tony-winning Chenoweth and “Wicked” will always be synonymous, the diminutive singer has maintained a varied career in TV (“Pushing Daisies,” “Glee”), writing (“A Little Bit Wicked”) and on her beloved Broadway stage, where she recently starred in “On the Twentieth Century.” Her Atlanta show is a benefit for the ArtsBridge Foundation for arts education.
8 p.m. Sept. 18. $45-$125. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
SATURDAY
Lisa Fischer
Haven’t seen 2013’s Oscar-winning documentary “20 Feet From Stardom” yet? Go. Now. Seriously. Stop reading and find it, because it will show you, in painstaking detail, the fascinating, nonglamorous life of powerhouse vocalist Fischer and her “backup singer” brethren. Just remember that she still sings with the Rolling Stones and has toured with Luther Vandross and Tina Turner.
With Grand Baton. 8 p.m. Sept. 19. $27.50 ($30 day of the show). Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Charlie Wilson
Even though Mr. "Charlie, Last Name Wilson" already enthralled an Atlanta audience with a sold-out Philips Arena show in February, this is a market that can never really get enough of the former Gap Band frontman. At that performance, Wilson performed several songs from his latest release, "Forever Charlie," but didn't neglect his old-school fans, as he also ran through "Party Train" and "Yearning for Your Love."
8 p.m. Sept. 19. $35.50-$95.50. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
94.9 the Bull’s Big Country Fan Jam
Fans of headliners Dierks Bentley and Kip Moore got a taste of their faves when the guys played the Shaky Boots music festival in Kennesaw in May. Now, they're back — Bentley with his beer-hoisting hits "Drunk on a Plane" and "Tip it on Back," and the backward-baseball-cap-wearing Moore with his gritty rockers "Wild Ones" and "Crazy One More Time." The guys have tapped Maddie & Tae for some "Girl in a Country Song" action and songwriter-turned-frontman Canaan Smith to join the party.
7 p.m. Sept. 19. $19.50-$59.50. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
TUESDAY
Over the Rhine
The Cincinnati outfit (named for the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood) is anchored by husband and wife Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist. During the past 20 years, they’ve played their folk-Americana music with other band members and shared tours with Bob Dylan, Ani DiFranco and My Morning Jacket. Their most recent studio album, 2013’s “Meet Me at the Edge of the World,” includes a guest shot from Aimee Mann. Last year, they released the holiday album “Blood Oranges in the Snow.”
With Sara Rachele. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22. $25-$28. Red Clay Music Foundry, 3116 Main St., Duluth. 404-478-2749, eddieowenpresents.com.
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