SATURDAY
Mike + The Mechanics
It's more like Mike and a few of musicians who weren't part of the original incarnation that brought us the cerebral '80s hits, "Silent Running," "All I Need Is a Miracle" and "The Living Years." But hey, Mike Rutherford is the namesake and anchor of the group, which includes Anthony Drennan (guitar, bass), Gary Wallis (drums), Tim Howar (vocals), Andrew Roachford (vocals, keyboards) and Luke Juby (keyboards). This incarnation released the album "Let It Fly" last year. The band is sprinkling in a few favorites from the hit machine Rutherford co-founded in the late-'60s, Genesis.
8 p.m. March 24. $38.50-$60. Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta, 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
Michelle Malone
The Atlanta mainstay has described her new album, “Slings and Arrows,” as a “Georgia record,” because the entire work—studio, musicians, visual artists—all hail from the state. Malone has always drawn from her local roots in songs that are swampy and raw, rockin’ and visceral, and she applies her forthright vision to her lyrics as well. Malone is always quick to praise her forebears, noting, “Georgians such as Little Richard, James Brown, Ray Charles all laid the groundwork. Without them, we would never have had Elvis, the Beatles, the Stones—there would be no rock ‘n’ roll.”
7 p.m. and 9 p.m. March 24. $24. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-435-9849, ticketfly.com.
Atlanta Blues Festival
The lineup of Sir Charles Jones, TK Soul, Pokey Bear, Tucka, Nellie Tiger Travis and J’Wonn proved so popular that a second show—taking place in the afternoon—was added. Jones, who spent his formative years in Alabama, had his biggest commercial success in 2001 with the album, “Love Machine.”
2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 24. $59-$99. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
TUESDAY
Miguel
On the road since late February, the R&B/soul singer is supporting “War and Leisure,” his fourth studio album that arrived last year. The album sports guest shots from Rick Ross and Travis Scott, as well as numerous songs that spotlight Miguel’s political awareness. Though he hasn’t returned to the chart heights of “Adorn” and “Sure Thing” earlier this decade, Miguel nonetheless continues to develop his artistry.
With Sir and Nonchalant Savant. 8 p.m. March 27. Sold out. Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre, 800 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, livenation.com.
THURSDAY
Butch Walker
The pride of Cartersville returns for what is sure to be a rowdy, sweaty night of boot-in-face rock ‘n’ roll. Walker, an esteemed producer as well as a solo musician, released the excellent, Springsteen-esque “Stay Gold” in 2016, which means it’s about time for some new material from a truly prolific artist.
With Reuben Bidez. 8 p.m. March 29. Sold out. Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
Lee Ann Womack
Still best known among pop music fans for her mega-crossover hit “I Hope You Dance” in 2000, Womack continues to stay busy around Nashville. Last fall, she dropped her ninth studio album, “The Lonely, the Lonesome & the Gone,” which showcases her country roots, but also explores her musical diversity with soul, gospel and blues—sounds she says were informed by her upbringing in East Texas.
With Charlie Worsham. 8 p.m. March 29. $30-$45. City Winery, 650 North Ave., Atlanta. 404-946-3791, citywinery.com/atlanta.
About the Author
