FRIDAY
Boyz II Men and En Vogue
If the Boyz's appearance last summer on tour with New Kids on the Block and 98 Degrees was an indication of their level of professionalism and stamina, expect plenty of their trademark harmonies and fancy footwork (yes, we mean "Motownphilly"). Give these soul men credit, too, for their exhausting schedule. This date falls on a rare weekend off from their usual residency at the Mirage in Las Vegas. As for En Vogue, the "Funky Divas" (still featuring founding members Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron) will join the boys to tear through "My Lovin'," "Free Your Mind" and some of their other '90s-era R&B chart-toppers.
8 p.m. Aug. 22. $22.50-$69.50. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
Michael McDonald and Toto
Toto and McDonald go back several decades, but this is the first time the two acts have toured together. Guitarist Steve Lukather said in a recent interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution to expect a hits-driven set of about 80 minutes from Toto. Oh, and for those who like to mock the band's lite-rock prowess (can you really not sing along to "Africa" when you hear it, though?), Lukather is in on the joke. "I was a 'Family Guy' and 'South Park' character. I laugh at that (stuff). You become a part of pop culture. That's a success. I like to make fun of us."
8 p.m. Aug. 22. $56-$96. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, foxtheatre.org.
Old Crow Medicine Show
In their 15-year career, the alt-country bluegrass band born in Virginia and now rooted in Tennessee has crafted an oft-imitated sound that has been cited as the inspiration behind the Americana-string band revival (hello, Mumford & Sons). Old Crow’s current album, “Remedy,” landed at No. 1 on the folk album chart and No. 4 on the country chart. Last fall, the band received the career honor of being inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
With Shovels & Rope. 8 p.m. Aug. 22. $32.50-$39.50. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
SUNDAY
Keith Urban
“American Idol” judge, ace guitarist, hunky husband. Is there a role Urban can’t play to perfection? Despite his current Goo Goo Dolls hairdo, it’s tough not to love the affable Urban, who has remained a beacon in the country industry by adroitly combining twang and riffs. His latest album, “Fuse,” released last fall, boasted hipper technology and some R&B flourishes, indicating that Urban isn’t headed for complacency anytime soon.
With Jerrod Niemann and Brett Eldredge. 7 p.m. Aug. 24. $29.50-$75.50. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
THURSDAY
Aerosmith
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 said 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.
With Slash. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28. $49.50-$149.50. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
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