FRIDAY
Slayer
After 37 years, it’s officially the end of the touring road for the thrash metal icons. The “Final World Tour” will keep the quartet slashing and head-banging through December — and they’ll be joined by quite a coterie of similarly roaring rockers.
With Lamb of God, Anthrax, Testament and Napalm Death. 5 p.m. Aug. 10. $25-$126.30. Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood, 2002 Lakewood Way, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
Gladys Knight
It’s always a soul-drenched party when the Atlanta native returns home, and with The O’Jays sharing the bill, expect an endless singalong to shared classics such as “You’re The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Love Train” and “For the Love of Money.” Knight has also included a medley of Prince tunes and covers of songs by Sam Smith and Bonnie Raitt in her recent shows.
8 p.m. Aug. 10. $25-$65. State Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Drive NW, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
SATURDAY
Dierks Bentley
One of the most enduring names in country earned his 17th career No. 1 single with “Woman, Amen,” earlier this summer, from his ninth studio album, “The Mountain.” Bentley’s current release swings from country to rock to quiet folk and focuses on themes of unity and positivity. The themes were no doubt inspired by his recording locale – scenic Telluride, Colorado.
With Brothers Osborne and LANCO. 7 p.m. Aug. 11. $40.25-$100. Verizon Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
SUNDAY
J. Cole
Atlanta lands one of the earlier shows on this 34-date tour to support the singer-rapper’s current album, “KOD.” Although Atlanta’s Young Thug was on the bill from the beginning, Cole recently announced the additions of Jaden Smith, EarthGang and kiLL Edward. Cole is also reportedly working on a new mixtape, and earlier this week dropped “Album of the Year,” a freestyle over Nas’ “Oochie Wally.”
7:30 p.m. Aug. 12. $39.50-$99.50. Infinite Energy Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-626-2464, infiniteenergycenter.com.
MONDAY
Tower of Power
Fifty years after Emilio Castillo met Stephen "Doc" Kupka, the San Francisco brass experts still haven't lost their shine. The group has collaborated with artists ranging from Huey Lewis & the News to Luis Miguel. Now that is hip.
8 p.m. Aug. 13-14. $65-$78. City Winery, 650 North Ave. NE #201, Atlanta. 404-946-3791, citywinery.com/atlanta.
TUESDAY
Lyle Lovett
Since it’s officially billed as “An Evening with Lyle Lovett and His Large Band,” expect to hear the rich sounds of the main man and 11 stellar musicians as they roll through a set of folk, gospel and bluegrass. Lovett is usually good for a few wry stories as well. He’ll return to the road this fall for some solo dates with his pal, Robert Earl Keen. (They play Augusta on Halloween.)
8 p.m. Aug. 14. $49.50-$149.50. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
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