BY MELISSA RUGGIERI/AJC Music Scene
SATURDAY
Earth, Wind & Fire and Chic
EWF always puts together a creative summer tour package, and aligning with the funky-fresh Nile Rodgers and Chic will make for a groove-filled night . Aside from Chic thumpers "Good Times" and "We Are Family," expect to hear plenty of Rodgers' work as a producer, from Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out" and "Upside Down" to Sister Sledge's "He's the Greatest Dancer" to David Bowie's "Let's Dance." As for EWF, the frontline trio of Verdine White on bass, Philip Bailey on glass-shattering vocals and percussionist Ralph Johnson never disappoint.
8 p.m. Aug. 19. $39.50-$240. Verizon Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
A-Town Music Fest
With Big Boi and Goodie Mob topping the bill, this is almost like a mini Dungeon Family reunion. The Atlanta rap kingpins have remained active over the years. Big Boi just released his fourth solo album, "Boomiverse," Goodie Mob dropped the underappreciated "Age Against the Machine" a few years ago and the group's most recognizable member, CeeLo Green recently wrapped another stint in Las Vegas . Don't expect a surprise appearance by Andre 3000 though, as he's turned his creative attention to sneaker design.
With Young Bloodz. 5 p.m. Aug. 19. $58-$118. Wolf Creek Amphitheater, 3025 Merk Road S.W., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band
There are so many incarnations of a Lovett concert. Sometimes he’s with Vince Gill or John Hiatt. Other times he’s solo and it’s a quiet, acoustic affair. But this time, the Texas musician and back with his Large Band and fans can expect a couple of dozen songs from throughout Lovett’s 30-year career, from “Cowboy Man” to a cover of Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man.”
7:30 p.m. Aug. 19. $39.50-$89.50. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
SUNDAY
Switchfoot and Lifehouse
Between them, the bands have more than a dozen hits (“Dare to Move,” “Meant to Live” on Swithfoot’s side and “Hanging By a Moment” and “You and Me” among Lifehouse’s most popular). Both bands also share a light spiritual bent. With much in common musically and philosophically, it makes you wonder why it took so long for them to join for this “Looking for Summer” tour.
7 p.m. Aug. 20. $45.50 ($43.50 for members). Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859, atlantabg.org.
MONDAY
Deep Purple and Alice Cooper
They could have called this the “Rock Legends Unite” tour, given the veteran status of the lineup. Deep Purple released their 20th studio album, “Infinite,” earlier this year and have intimated that this tour, called “The Long Goodbye,” might be literal and, in fact, their last major road run. The always-entertaining Cooper just released the new album, “Paranormal.”
With The Edgar Winter Band. 6:30 p.m. Aug. 21. $69.50-$89.50. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive NW, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
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