BY MELISSA RUGGIERI/AJC Music Scene
FRIDAY
Randy Newman
The delightfully wry songwriter released "Dark Matter," his first album in nearly a decade , this summer and immediately reminded us that while he may love L.A. (or not), we love Newman. An inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the soon-to-be-74-year-old has also been nominated for a mind-boggling 20 Academy Awards for his musical work in films such as the "Toy Story" franchise and "Monsters, Inc."
8 p.m. Nov. 17. $39.50-$283. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com
John Prine
It’s been quite a year for the 71-year-old country-folk pioneer. He recently won his second Artist of the Year nod at the Americana Music Honors and Awards and published his first book, “Beyond Words: John Prine’s American Songbook.” Musically, Prine unveiled an album full of duets, “For Better, Or Worse,” which debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart – the highest-charting release of his storied career. His duet partners include Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert, Iris Dement and tour opener Kacey Musgraves.
With Kacey Musgraves. 8 p.m. Nov. 17. $63-$103.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, foxtheatre.org
The Shins
The James Mercer-fronted group achieved its biggest burst of mainstream fame in the mid-‘00s, when Zach Braff plucked its “New Slang” song for his “Garden State” film. Since then, the band has shifted shapes, including the temporary departure of Mercer, but in March released a fifth studio album, “Heartworms.” Mercer produced the record, The Shins’ first in five years.
8 p.m. Nov. 17. $35-$65. Coca-Cola Roxy, 800 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, livenation.com
SUNDAY
Ledisi and Kirk Franklin
Dubbed “The Rebel, the Soul & the Saint,” this 27-city tour launched Oct. 25 and features the co-headliners performing songs from Franklin’s current “Losing My Religion” album and a few tunes from Ledisi’s upcoming “Let Love Rule.”
With Major. 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19. $45-$75. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com
Celtic Thunder
This new tour by the Irish singing group marks their second round performing with symphonies across the country. The quintet will appease fans with many traditional favorites (it’s almost certain you will hear “Danny Boy”), but also debut some of the Christian classics and standards from their current album, “Celtic Thunder Inspirational.” That release includes church staples “May the Road Rise to Meet You,” “Down to the River to Pray” and “Amazing Grace.”
7:30 p.m. Nov. 19. $45-$80. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com
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