WHEN: THURSDAY JUNE 26
WHO: Merle Haggard
WHAT: BARD OF BAKERSFIELD: "I love everything he's ever done," Emmylou Harris told me in a recent interview, "but I will say that 'Kern River' is probably my favorite song of his." She recorded the Haggard classic on her new album, "All I Intended to Be." The revered 71-year-old troubadour has written a whole load of powerful tunes during his 40-year career, including: "The Fightin' Side of Me," "Okie From Muskogee," "Mama Tried," "Sing Me Back Home" and "If We Make It Through December," just to name a few.
THE 411: 7:30 p.m. $34-$54. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 770-916-2800, 404-249-6400, www.cobbenergycentre.com.
WHEN: THURSDAY JUNE 26
WHO: BMI Showcase
WHAT: NEW KIDS ON OUR BLOCK: Performing rights organization BMI sponsors this showcase for up and coming talent. Four of the five acts are from Atlanta. Pop singer-songwriter Aslyn released her debut album, "Lemon Love," on Capitol Records back in 2005. The self-released four-EP set "The Grand Garden" shows the kind of growth that bodes well for her upcoming sophomore release. Southern rockers Hightide Blues played at this year's Bonnaroo festival thanks to a win at the annual Searcharoo contest. This gig also serves as a CD release celebration for the band's new EP, "Love Come Easy." The funky pop groove of Golden will have you thinking what it would sound like if Jason Mraz fronted the Dave Matthews Band. One listen to the soul-infused pop of Zachary Kale and it will come as no surprise that he gives props to Gavin DeGraw on his MySpace page. The lone non-Atlanta act on the bill is Baltimore's Emma White, whose soul-infused pop fits right in with this batch of Atlantans.
THE 411: p.m. $10; $8 advance. Smith's Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Midtown. 404-875-1522, www.smithsoldebar.com.
WHEN: SUNDAY JUNE 29
WHO: REO Speedwagon, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
WHAT: THE VOICES REMAIN THE SAME: REO started life as a workman-like Midwestern rock band of the '70s, but then became the kings of the '80s power ballad with songs such as "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "Keep on Loving You." Keyboardist Neal Doughty is the only founding member left, but vocalist Kevin Cronin is still the voice of the band. Cronin joined before the band's second album in 1972, departed for a few years and then returned to sing the band's big hits. Current bassist Bruce Hall joined in 1978, guitarist Dave Amato in 1989 and drummer Bryan Hitt in 1990. Few care who the Blackhearts are at any given time as long as former Runaway Jett is in front belting out "I Love Rock 'n' Roll."
THE 411: 8 p.m. Table set-up. $38.50-$53.50 reserved; $33.50 lawn. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.livenation.com.
WHEN: WEDNESDAY JULY 2
WHO: Boz Scaggs
WHAT: SILKY SWEET: The music we grew up with gives us a warm, gooey feeling. For some reason, Boz Scaggs' music seems to crank the cuddlies up to 11. Everyone of a certain age, if they're honest, has a soft spot for Scaggs' immaculate soul-tinged pop. He only had one Top 10 hit ("Lowdown"), but the album where that track originally appeared, "Silk Degrees," is a winner from start to finish. With the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and David Jacobs-Strain.
THE 411: 8 p.m. $25-$90; $25 lawn. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-733-4800, 404-249-6400, www.classicchastain.com.
WHEN: WEDNESDAY JULY 2
WHO: Peter Murphy
WHAT: ALONE AGAIN: Murphy used to front Goth-rock kingpin Bauhaus. Between that band's original 1983 demise and recent rejuvenation, he had a long and far less pretentious solo career with many moments of lush, dark beauty. Now, Bauhaus is history again after releasing one final album ("Go Away White") earlier this year, so Murphy's back in solo mode.
THE 411: 8 p.m. $29; $27 advance. Center Stage Atlanta, 1374 W. Peachtree St., Midtown. 404-885-1365, www.centerstage-atlanta.com.
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