From Sting to Tony Bennett: 15 Atlanta concerts to heat up winter

Here are 15 shows to consider until the outdoor concert season kicks into gear. To keep up with concert announcements and show previews, check out the AJC's Music Scene blog.

Unless otherwise noted, all tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Alan Jackson. The Georgia native has sold more than 80 million albums in his 25-year-plus career and in 2015 released his 20th studio album, "Angels and Alcohol." He launched his "Honky-Tonk Highway" tour last week, and last month he released a Wal-Mart exclusive, "Precious Memories Collection." With Lee Ann Womack. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. $49.50-$74.50. Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-626-2464, www.infiniteenergycenter.com.

Winter Jam. Atlanta's Crowder leads the lineup of contemporary Christian artists on this year's tour, which routinely packs stadiums across the country. Also along for the night of music and worship are Britt Nicole, Tenth Avenue North, Sadie Robinson, Newsong, Colton Dixon, Andy Mineo, and the Atlanta-based sibling trio OBB, among others. 6 p.m. Feb. 4. $10 (at the door, no ticket required). Georgia Dome, 1 Georgia Dome Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-223-9200, www.gwcca.org/dome/.

Rick Astley. The humble British pop singer who launched to MTV stardom in the '80s with irresistible synth songs "Never Gonna Give You Up" and "Together Forever" will perform in Atlanta for the first time in his career. The reason for this Rick Resurgence? His solid new album, "50," his first U.S. release in more than 20 years. 8 p.m. Feb. 9. $35. Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta.

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Bon Jovi. In a recent interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, keyboardist David Bryan said the tour behind the band's "This House Is Not for Sale" album will concentrate on the music, "not so much the video screens." Given that Bon Jovi has "90-something" songs to choose from for a set list, expect a smattering of new material and a lot of singalong classics. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10. $19.75-$552.75. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta.

Andrea Bocelli. There are certainly worse ways to spend a Valentine's Day evening with your significant other than listening to the dreamy vocals of the Italian tenor. Last fall marked the 20th anniversary of his global breakthrough, "Romanza," which was celebrated with an anniversary edition of the album. With the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Heather Headley. 8 p.m. Feb. 14. $79-$369. Infinite Energy Center.

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Lauryn Hill. The mercurial singer-songwriter left Atlanta fans with a bitter taste last year when she showed up for a performance at Chastain Park Amphitheatre more than two hours late and played for barely 40 minutes before curfew kicked in. Maybe this time, her driver won't get lost on the way to the venue. 8 p.m. Feb. 14. $59.50-$105.50. Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta.

Eric Church. The modern country outlaw launched his massive 60-date "Holdin' My Own" tour earlier this month, and for the first time in his touring career, he won't be joined by an opening act. Instead, Church will play two full sets with an intermission. 8 p.m. Feb. 16. $29-$89. Infinite Energy Center.

Tony Bennett. The iconic singer, now 90 years young, recently released a new memoir, "Just Getting Started." His life, his music and his attitude are inspirational, and even if his voice isn't the Bennett of decades ago, he's still a commanding performer. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21. Sold out. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta.

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Martina McBride. For the second leg of her "Love Unleashed" tour, the country songbird paired with CMT's Next Women of Country and teamed with "American Idol" runner-up (and Rossville native) Lauren Alaina. McBride released her 13th studio album, "Reckless," in April. With Lauren Alaina. $49.75 and $59.75. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta.

Daya. The 18-year-old pop singer is up for a Grammy Award (best dance recording) for her collaboration with the Chainsmokers, "Don't Let Me Down." The past two years have been memorable for the Pittsburgh native — her debut EP also spawned the platinum-selling hit "Hide Away," and last fall she released her full-length debut, "Sit Still, Look Pretty." 8:30 p.m. Feb. 25. $21 (advance) and $26 (day of show). Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 1-877-987-6487, www.ticketfly.com.

Sting. The ageless musician (how does he still look the same as he did in 1986??) released his 12th album, "57th and 9th," last fall. Fans rejoiced not only at the absence of lutes, but at the return to his mellifluous pop-rock. Sting will be joined by a three-piece band including longtime guitarist Dominic Miller, as well as Josh Freese on drums and Rufus Miller on guitar. With Joe Sumner and the Last Bandoleros. 8 p.m. Feb. 27. Sold out. Tabernacle.

George Clinton with Parliament-Funkadelic. The legendary funksters will embark on a short, 10-date trek dubbed the "Mardi Gras Madness" tour (yes, they will perform on actual Mardi Gras at New York's B.B. King Blues Club). In 2014, the band released the 33-track "First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate," their first release in more than 30 years. 9 p.m. March 2. $36-$46 (18 and older only). Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta.

KT Tunstall. She'll always be associated with breakthrough hits "Suddenly I See" and "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree," but the Scottish singer has plenty of music left in her. She released her fifth studio album, "KIN," in September. 8 p.m. March 7. $24-$40. City Winery, 650 North Ave., Atlanta. 404-946-3791, www.citywinery.com/atlanta.

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Green Day. The California pop-punk trio hasn't visited Atlanta since a 2010 stop in Alpharetta. But their new album, "Revolution Radio," was reason enough to hit the road for a handful of U.S. dates following a run through Europe. With Against Me. 7:30 p.m. March 10. $49.50-$59.50. Infinite Energy Center.

Norah Jones. The nine-time Grammy winner, who vaulted to stardom in 2002 with the much-lauded "Come Away With Me," returns to her piano-based sounds on her new record, "Day Breaks," which features nine new songs and a trio of covers. 8 p.m. March 11. $56-$71.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.

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