FRIDAY
The Bongos
From the skittering minimalism and nervy underground pop of the band’s 1982 debut album “Drums Along the Hudson” to the rumbling tom-toms that introduce 1983’s “Barbarella,” the Bongos made music as memorable as it was under-appreciated. It’s been 25 years since they last played Atlanta, but that will change this weekend. Athens’ Pylon Reenactment Society will open the show. Led by original Pylon vocalist Vanessa Briscoe Hay, Pylon Reenactment Society brings the twitchy, nervous and irresistibly danceable music of Pylon back to the stage.
7:30 p.m. Feb. 21. $25-$30. The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta. 1-877-725-8849, ticketalternative.com.
- Shane Harrison
SUNDAY
Blue Oyster Cult
Between 1976 and 1981, the New York prog rockers blanketed rock radio with the catchy guitar-and-cowbell-fueled hits, “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla” and “Burnin’ for You.” Lead singer Buck Dharma and lead guitarist Eric Bloom are still part of the Cult, and the band is also readying the release of a live version of its 1976 platinum-seller, “Agents of Fortune.” Look for it March 6.
With UFO. 8 p.m. Feb. 23. $44-$68. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta. 1-877-987-6487, ticketfly.com.
MONDAY
Soul Asylum
The ‘90s alt-rockers nabbed a Grammy for their ubiquitous “Runaway Train” and maintained representation of the flannel-and-jeans brigade with “Black Gold” and “Misery.” The current lineup features singer Dave Pirner, drummer Michael Bland, guitarist Ryan Smith and bassist Wynston Roye, who will follow this 25-city tour with a new album, “Hurry Up and Wait,” on April 17.
With Local H. 8 p.m. Feb. 24. $28-$99. Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
WEDNESDAY
Queensrÿche
From the epic “Silent Lucidity” to the stomper “Jet City Woman,” the sound of Queensrÿche has always been a distinctive one. Last year, the band dropped its 15th album under the Queensrÿche name, the third with Todd La Torre handling lead vocals. That album, “The Verdict,” spawned this support tour that will wrap in Florida the night after the Atlanta date.
With Eve to Adam. 8 p.m. Feb. 26. $29.50-$36.50. Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
The Beach Boys
It might not be surf weather, but there really isn’t an inappropriate time to appreciate the catalog of the ‘60s pop icons. Led by co-founder Mike Love, this version of The Beach Boys will delve into dance-along dew drops such as “California Girls,” “I Get Around” and “Kokomo.” Love, a 2020 inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, also recently released “12 Sides of Summer,” a collection of covers and originals.
7:30 p.m. Feb. 26. $47-$120. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
About the Author
