FRIDAY
Afropunk: The Carnival of Consciousness
Last year, the Afropunk festival, a mainstay in Brooklyn, would have celebrated its first year in Atlanta. But impending bad weather — a week after the mishaps that doomed TomorrowWorld — caused abrupt cancellation . The event returns as a three-day festival featuring music from Tyler, the Creator; SZA, Earl Sweatshirt, Big Freedia, Saul Williams and a couple of dozen other performers, as well as a focus on contemporary black expression and youthful black consciousness that will also be displayed via art installations and film screenings.
6 p.m. Oct. 14, 1 p.m. Oct. 15 and 2 p.m. Oct. 16. 787 Windsor. $60 (weekend pass). 787 Windsor St., Atlanta. www.afropunkfest.com .
SATURDAY
Midge Ure
Some know Ure as the frontman for ‘70s-‘80s British hitmakers Ultravox. Others might recall that he co-wrote and produced the massive-selling charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” with Bob Geldof. His most recent solo album, “Fragile,” arrived in 2014, and, along with two U.S. musicians, he’s engaged in the “Introduce a Friend to His Music” tour since last month. The Atlanta date wraps “part one” of the tour, which returns to America in January.
With Black Swan Lane. 9 p.m. Oct. 15. $20 (advance) and $25 (day of show). The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave. S.E., East Atlanta. 1-877-725-8849, www.ticketalternative.com .
Rock Chastain
Drivin’ N’ Cryin’, Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project, Brian Collins and Whiskey Gentry headline the third annual concert to benefit the Chastain Park Conservancy. Event organizers are planning a “party vibe” for the event, which will help with various projects around Chastain Park (this year’s proceeds will specifically help with extending and widening the sidewalk on West Wieuca Road).
7 p.m. Oct. 15. $30-$125. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com .
MONDAY
Mac Miller
Though he’s become a celebrity magazine staple thanks to his coy relationship with Ariana Grande, the Pittsburgh rapper isn’t shifting priorities. He’s proudly sober and his newly released fourth album, “The Divine Feminine,” concentrates on lessons he’s learned from women. Atlanta’s CeeLo Green guests on the track “We,” while Ty Dolla Sign, Kendrick Lamar and Grande appear elsewhere on the album.
With LAKIM and Clockwork DJ. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17. $35.50. The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com .
TUESDAY
Elvis Costello
A quick round of dates dubbed the "Detour" tour launches in early October and wraps with this Atlanta gig. Throughout the run, Costello will be joined by the magnetic sisterly duo from Atlanta, Larkin Poe , before he begins a new round of dates with his Imposters.
7:30 p.m. Oct. 18. $41-$96. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com .
Joan Osborne
Almost a year ago, Osborne shared the stage at the Ferst Center with Mavis Staples. Anyone who has followed Osborne's career for two seconds beyond "One of Us" knows she is a formidable vocal partner for the legendary Staples. Osborne will quiet the room a notch with her two shows at the cozy Eddie's Attic, with plans to perform with her acoustic trio.
7:15 and 9:30 p.m. Oct. 18. $45-$50. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-435-9849, www.ticketfly.com .
Richard Thompson
Thompson’s influence stretches back to the ‘60s, when he was a member of the Fairport Convention, yet the man named one of Rolling Stone magazine’s Top 20 guitarists of all time has also remained a vital songwriter. He’s written or performed with everyone from Robert Plant to Yusuf (formerly known as Cat Stevens). Last year, Thompson released his 16th solo album, “Still,” which was produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy. His City Winery shows will be solo acoustic and all requests.
With Sam Amidon. 8 p.m. Oct. 18-20. $40-$60. City Winery, 650 North Ave., Atlanta. 404-946-3791, www.citywinery.com/atlanta .
WEDNESDAY
The Hip Abduction
With a sound described as “tropical indie pop,” the Florida septet offers plenty of grooves and honeyed harmonies. The band has toured with an array of artists spanning Ziggy Marley to 311 to Galactic and roots its music in a mutual appreciation for West African and early Jamaican reggae/dub music. Their third album, “Gold Under the Glow,” was recorded in Nashville and released in March.
9 p.m. Oct. 19. $12-$15. Aisle 5, 1123 Euclid Ave., Atlanta. www.aisle5atl.com.
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