As posited by artists ranging from Nancy Wilson to Ella Fitzgerald to Harry Connick Jr. — what are you doing New Year’s Eve?
You still have a few weeks to answer that. But plenty of Atlanta venues will be bopping as the clock ticks toward midnight.
Here are some possible places to rock out in the waning hours of 2017.
All concerts are Dec. 31 unless otherwise noted (some acts will regale Atlanta audiences for multiple performances). As well, tickets to all concerts can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000 unless otherwise noted.
Xscape. Since reuniting earlier this year, the beloved Atlanta group — Kandi Burruss-Tucker, Tameka "Tiny" Harris, and sisters LaTocha and Tamika Scott — has performed at the BET Awards and embarked on "The Great Xscape Tour." As we know, reunions are often fleeting, so enjoy hearing "Just Kickin' It," "Understanding," "Who Can I Run To" and other favorites while you have the opportunity. With Tamar Braxton. 8 p.m. $89-$149. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Widespread Panic. Die-hard fans of the Athens jam kings were understandably bummed when the band took its traditional New Year's Eve show to Nashville last year. But they're back for a trio of more intimate shows at the Fox. Since the band is renowned for breaking out covers during its holiday shows, www.jambase.com has compiled a handy list of 10 cover songs the Panic has debuted on a New Year's Eve concert. 8 p.m. Dec. 29-30; 9 p.m. Dec. 31. $92.25-$165.85 for individual shows or $276.75-$497.55 for three-show package. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.
Moon Taxi. The Nashville indie rockers will visit Atlanta for a couple of nights, and will release their latest album, "Let the Record Play," their first for RCA Records, a couple of weeks into 2018. The guys have shared tours with Gov't Mule and Umphrey's McGee and spent a good part of 2016 on the festival circuit. With Ripe and Elel Dec. 30 and Stop Light Observations and Luthi Dec. 31. 9:30 p.m. both nights. $30.50 Dec. 30; $42.50 Dec. 31. Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.livenation.com.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Band of Horses. The indie rock quartet released its fifth studio album, "Why Are You OK," in June 2016, the final album for members Tyler Ramsey and Bill Reynolds, who departed in May. They've been replaced by Richard Fitzpatrick on guitar and Matt Gentling on bass. The band has made no secret of its love for Georgia; in 2010, it covered CeeLo Green's "Georgia" and frontman Ben Bridwell, whose parents grew up in Atlanta, always tries to schedule a local run of New Year's shows. 8 p.m. Dec. 30; 9 p.m. Dec. 31. $50. Coca-Cola Roxy, 800 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.livenation.com.
Tauk. Considering the sonic palette of this New York quartet — funk, jazz, prog rock, hip-hop — it's no surprise that they'll also be joined by the Naughty Horns onstage. The band's third studio album, "Sir Nebula," arrived last year. With Naughty Professor. 9 p.m. $25-$30 (18 and older only). Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta. 1-877-987-6487, www.ticketfly.com.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Michelle Malone. Whether it's rock, blues or Americana, Malone is one of the best in the business — Atlanta or otherwise. She just wrapped a Kickstarter campaign for her 15th album, "Slings and Arrows," which arrives this month. No doubt she and the Michelle Malone Band will sprinkle in some new tracks as they rock in the new year with a pair of shows. 7:30 and 10 p.m. $30 for each show or $50 for general admission to both. Eddie's Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-725-8849, www.eddiesattic.com.
Rumors — Fleetwood Mac Tribute. The six Atlanta musicians who present this musical homage to Fleetwood Mac have been mastering their tribute since 2014. Members adopt similar names and costumes to match their famous counterparts — Kenzie Nicks, Doug Buckingham, Adrienne McVie, Alex Thrift Buckingham, Jerry McVie, Meanface Bear Lightnin' Fleetwood — and give audiences a full Mac attack with three sets of classics. 8:30 p.m. Dec. 30-31. $30-$150. Smith's Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 1-877-725-8849, www.smithsoldebar.com.
Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics. The Atlanta funk-soul outfit fronted by the sultry Velle is known for seesawing between revivalist authenticity and fresh R&B. And they know how to instigate a party, too. Their second album, "State of All Things," is due early in the new year, but fans can check out the new single, "Broken Woman," now. 10:30 p.m. $20-$100. Venkman's, 740 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE, Atlanta. 470-225-6162, venkmans.com.
About the Author
