Typically, summer is the season that forces music fans to clear their credit cards as dozens of concerts vie for our attention and dollars. But this year, Atlanta’s fall concert landscape is the entrée to summer’s tempting appetizer. From stalwart rockers to country icons to soulful newbies, the collection is vast. Here are nine to consider.
Aerosmith and Slash. For a certain stretch of time, it appeared Aerosmith might never be heard from again. But 40 years later, the Beantown Boys are still tearing it up, as they proved during their last Atlanta visit in 2012. Guitarist Joe Perry says the biggest challenge is picking the strongest set list. "So far it's gone pretty well. I haven't seen anybody walk out," he said in a recent interview with the AJC. Opening the show will be Aerosmith's longtime buddy Slash. Aug. 28. Philips Arena.
Jason Mraz. Mraz recently released his fifth album, "Yes!", a collection of more of the optimistic peace and love strummers that have earned him Grammys and a reputation as one of the nicest guys in pop. He also has one of the genre's purest voices, a fact often overlooked in breezy hits such as "I'm Yours" and "I Won't Give Up." This current tour will focus on Mraz's acoustic leanings, and he'll be backed by Raining Jane, the all-female group that joins him on the new album. Sept. 9. Fox Theatre, www.foxtheatre.org.
Ed Sheeran. Not too long ago, the ginger-haired Brit with the colorful tattoos, disarming smile and sweet voice was selling out clubs. Then came an opening stint with Taylor Swift on her mega "Red" tour. And now Sheeran, who has graduated from the pensive folkie-pop of "The A Team" and "Lego House" to a Pharrell Williams-produced groove on "Sing," is headlining arenas. His second album, "x," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart in June. Sept. 12. The Arena at Gwinnett Center, www.gwinnettcenter.com.
Lily Allen. Eight years ago, the tart-tongued Brit landed on U.S. radio with the bouncy-yet-snarky "Smile." And then she disappeared from American view. But in May, she returned with her third studio album, "Sheezus," a direct jab at Kanye West's absurdly titled "Yeezus," and proceeded to remind us how much we missed her sarcasm and frankness. Sept. 17. The Tabernacle.
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. It's been 18 years since the country behemoth played Atlanta, and while ticket prices might be a bit higher than Brooks' '90s-era $20-for-all mentality, they're still a bargain for a superstar with worldwide album sales of almost 190 million and his country singer wife. Sept. 19. Philips Arena.
TomorrowWorld. Electronic dance music has ruled the festival landscape the past few years, and with the arrival of this Belgium import last fall, the Atlanta area ascended the prestige ladder in the eyes of EDM fans. This year's lineup includes David Guetta, Avicii, Diplo, Skrillex, Zedd, Tiesto, Steve Aoki, Bassnectar, Kaskade, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, Martin Garrix and Nicky Romero. The three-day event once again takes place about 45 minutes outside of Atlanta. Sept. 26-28. Bouckaert Farm, Chattahoochee Hills. http://tickets.tomorrowworld.com/.
One Direction. In a brilliant move, promoters plopped this stadium trek on sale a few weeks before Christmas, ensuring a sell-out while the five cheeky Brits were still godlike in the eyes of 14-year-old girls. The mania surrounding the "Best Song Ever" hitmakers has cooled a tinge, but still … bring earplugs to block the squealing. Openers 5 Seconds of Summer are in the midst of their own teen-dream explosion and are nearly as big a draw now as the headliners. Oct. 1. Georgia Dome.
Sam Smith. He's been compared vocally to everyone from Boy George to Rick Astley to a male Adele. Connect the dots with whomever you choose, but know this: Smith is a gem. His creamy soul throwback "Stay With Me" is the first most Americans heard of the 22-year-old, but he's knocked around England's charts for a couple of years. Oct. 6. The Tabernacle.
Rufus Wainwright. In February, Wainwright released "Vibrate: The Best of Rufus Wainwright," a self-explanatory collection of his engaging, affecting baroque-indie-pop. Suffice to say, Wainwright is an original, a singer who coats everything in his unique style, whether it's the umpteenth cover of Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" or the cheeky new "Me and Liza." This greatest hits tour has been rolling since March in Dublin. Nov. 9. Atlanta Symphony Hall.
Unless otherwise notes, tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.
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