BY MELISSA RUGGIERI/AJC Music Scene
FRIDAY
String Cheese Incident
The bluegrass-jam-country sextet recently released its seventh album, “Believe,” which was produced by the Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison. The band crafted the release at its newly instituted “Sound Lab” hybrid recording studio/band hangout in its native Colorado. The setting seems to have benefited the final product, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart upon its April arrival.
7 p.m. July 7-8. $49.95 (non-table setup, no coolers or carry-ins allowed). Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive NW, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
SATURDAY
Brantley Gilbert
It’s already a good summer for the Jefferson native (and still-resident). Country-rocker Gilbert and his wife, Amber, recently announced the impending arrival of their first child (a boy, as they unveiled to People magazine). Just another reason for fans to hoist a beer. Well, that and the sounds of Gilbert’s growly rockers “Bottoms Up,” “One Hell of an Amen” and, from his newest effort, “The Devil Don’t Sleep,” the Top 10 hit, “The Weekend.”
With Tyler Farr and Luke Combs. 7 p.m. July 8. $29.75-$54.75. Verizon Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
SUNDAY
Metallica
Earlier this year, drummer Lars Ulrich expressed anticipation about returning to the stage. "We haven't done a full U.S. tour in about eight years. We're so looking forward to getting back out there," he said at Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy party. Metallica released its 10th studio album, "Hardwired … to Self-Destruct," in November.
With Avenged Sevenfold and Volbeat. 6 p.m. July 9. $55.50-$155.50. SunTrust Park, 755 Battery Ave., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
TUESDAY
James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt
The music veterans have known each other since 1970, when they first performed together in Cambridge. Their six-week tour, which kicked off Thursday (JULY6) and will hit a handful of baseball stadiums, will find the pair offering separate sets and then joining together, likely alternating songs from their vast catalogs. Taylor last performed in the Atlanta area in August 2014 at Verizon Amphitheatre, while Raitt recently rocked the Fox Theatre with a show last fall.
7:30 p.m. July 11. $70-$104. Infinite Energy Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-626-2464, www.infiniteenergycenter.com.
THURSDAY
Paul McCartney
If you're still vacillating about seeing the legend in concert, a few things to consider: He just turned 75.June 18 He rarely plays venues this small, but a confluence of events will bring him to the relatively intimate arena in Duluth. He's still churning out nearly 40-song sets. Convinced yet?
8 p.m. July 13. $59-$254. Infinite Energy Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-626-2464, www.infiniteenergycenter.com.
Sam Hunt
What a year for the Cedartown native. He released the new song “Body Like a Back Road” in February (it’s since gone double platinum); he married longtime girlfriend Hannah Lee Fowler in April; and not long after a tour supporting Kenny Chesney, he’s headlining his own successful outing with a cast including hot upstart Maren Morris. The hunky Hunt isn’t rushing to release his second full-length album, instead choosing to serve fans singles at his own pace.
With Maren Morris, Chris Janson and Ryan Follese. 7 p.m. July 13. Sold out. Verizon Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
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