Atlanta Concerts this week: Randy Newman, John Prine, The Shins

Randy Newman has written music for television and movies, has composed a contemporary musical version of “Faust,” and has steadily added to the classical American songbook, most recently with his new album “Dark Matter.” CONTRIBUTED BY PAMELA SPRINGSTEEN

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Randy Newman has written music for television and movies, has composed a contemporary musical version of “Faust,” and has steadily added to the classical American songbook, most recently with his new album “Dark Matter.” CONTRIBUTED BY PAMELA SPRINGSTEEN

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