BY MELISSA RUGGIERI/AJC Music Scene
FRIDAY
Chris Isaak
The sultry voice behind “Wicked Game” released his 12th studio album, “First Comes the Night,” in 2015, which he recorded in Nashville. But he’s hardly been idle. That same year he landed a judging spot on “The X Factor” in Australia, and in 2016 started his tour to support “First Comes the Night.” This will be Isaak’s first performance here since 2014.
8 p.m. Oct. 13. $47-$75. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com
Travis Tritt
Marietta’s country hero stocks his set list with a solid selection from his dozens of hits, including “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’,” “Here’s a Quarter Call Someone Who Cares” and “Outlaws Like Us.” He’s also been tossing in covers from Chris Stapleton and the Eagles. Tritt recently released the live 2-CD/DVD package, “A Man and His Guitar – Live From the Franklin Theatre.”
8 p.m. Oct. 13. $36.50-$77. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com
SATURDAY
Laid Back Festival
Gregg Allman is gone, but his spirit will live on in the festival he created in 2015. (The October 2016 Laid Back performance at Lakewood Amphitheatre turned out to be Allman's final live show before his death in May.) This year's return will feature Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman's son Devon — who, along with Scott Sharrard, Allman's longtime bandleader , will perform his father's new album, "Southern Blood," in its entirety for the first time — Bishop Gunn and Jaimoe's Jasssz Band.
5 p.m. Oct. 14. $29.50-$325. Verizon Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com
Afropunk
Returning to Atlanta for its second year (third, technically, but the first was canceled due to weather), the music and lifestyle festival features a starry lineup headed by Solange, Miguel, Willow Smith, Danny Brown, Flatbush Zombies, Denzel Curry, Tricky and many more. Festival founder Matthew Morgan told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in a recent interview that, “We create a backdrop for talent. It’s really about the talent and the people make the atmosphere.” A small amendment this year – the main stage will be outside, allowing for more production room for the headliners.
Oct. 14-15. 1 p.m-11 p.m. $90 (two-day general admission). 787 Windsor St., Mechanicsville. afropunkfest.com
Willie Nelson & Family
The indefatigable singer-songwriter-guitarist, now 84, is the type of legend who needs to be seen in concert at least once in a lifetime. Yes, that’s a hint. The ever-busy Nelson also has coming Oct. 20 “Willie Nelson and the Boys,” the second installment in Nelson’s archival recording series, “Willie’s Stash.” This collection is another family collaboration, featuring Nelson and his sons, Lukas and Micah, performing country standards, including seven written by Hank Williams Sr.
With Elle King. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14. $65-$117.65. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive NW, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com
TUESDAY
The xx
Earlier this year, the London trio of singer Romy Croft, bassist Oliver Sam and DJ/producer James Smith produced a set of melodic, electronic-dusted soundscapes during their headlining set at Shaky Knees Music Festival. Their return is an encore performance to support their current, third album, "I See You."
With Perfume Genius. 8 p.m. Oct. 17. $46-$90.50. Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre, 800 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, livenation.com
THURSDAY
Halsey
This is the biggest tour yet for the New Jersey-born electro-pop singer, and her second headlining tour. Created in support of her second studio album, “Hopeless Fountain Kingdom,” released this summer, the North American leg of the tour launched in late September and will keep the “Closer” and “Now or Never” singer on the road through November.
With PartyNextDoor and Charli XCX. 7 p.m. Oct. 19. $39.50-$69.50. Infinite Energy Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-626-2464, infiniteenergycenter.com
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