PEACHTREE CITY
10,000 Maniacs and Edwin McCain at Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater
Beginning in the early ’80s, alt rock outfit 10,000 Maniacs was one of the acts making enough noise to help the genre crack the mainstream. After a string of hits, unplugging on MTV, line-up changes and the death of founding ax man Robert Buck, the group continues its not-so maniacal musical journey. 10,000 Maniacs is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary with a tour. Frontwoman Mary Ramsey, who replaced founding vocalist Natalie Merchant in 1994, still provides the pipes. Founding Maniacs Steve Gustafson (bass) and Dennis Drew (keyboards) are joined by longtime member Jerry Augustyniak (drums) and guitarist Jeff Erickson. The latter went from guitar tech to full-time Maniac in 2003. We predict a set of the best Maniacs moments including “What’s The Matter Here?,” “These Are Days” and “More Than This.” Southern singer-songwriter and hit maker Edwin McCain opens the evening.
8 p.m. Aug. 20. $42.50-$65; $390 and $540 for tables of six. Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City. 770-631-0630, www.amphitheater.org.
LAWRENCEVILLE
Funny Fridays at Aurora Theatre
Although it’s best known for close encounters of the thespian kind, Aurora transforms into a virtual comedy club for Funny Fridays, a special series now in its fifth season. Local comedy treasure Jerry Farber headlines the latest edition. Farber, an accomplished pianist, composes an act made of quips and the tickling of ivories. When he takes the stage, jazz meets comedy with plenty of audience interaction. Farber typically begins with traditional stand-up and then makes his way to the piano. He liberally taps into his Southern roots for show segments such as his popular Georgia redneck routine. The equally talented pianist and vocalist Johnny Porrazzo intermingles with Farber and blends timeless pop, rock and standards with humor.
7:15 and 9:15 p.m. Aug. 19. $15. Aurora Theatre, 128 Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222, www.auroratheatre.com.
WOODSTOCK
“Nunsense” at City Center Auditorium
What happens when five New Jersey nuns put on a variety show? In the case of the endearing “Nunsense,” the result is a musical comedy that’s been leaving audiences laughing for eons. The Elm Street Players put on their best habits and give this production a shot. The story centers around a benefit revue that’s being used to help raise money for the victims of a convent cooking disaster. Mother Superior assigns the nun performers with the task of showing the lighter side of Catholicism through song and dance. Organizers say it’s a soft PG performance, which makes it a possible date night retreat.
7:30 p.m. August 19, 20, 26 and 27; 2 p.m. Aug. 20 and 27. $11; $10 seniors; $9 students. City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251, www.elmstreetarts.org.
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