FRIDAY
Arcade Fire
The Canadian indie rockers have endeared themselves to live audiences on this tour by performing cover songs geographically connected to the tour stop (Chuck Berry’s “Roll Over Beethoven” in St. Louis; Prince’s “Controversy” in Minneapolis; Boyz II Men’s “Motownphilly” in Philadelphia). So what might an Atlanta crowd receive? How about OutKast’s “B.O.B.”? Usher’s “Yeah!”? 2 Chainz’s “Birthday Song”?
With Kid Koala and Tune-Yards. 7:30 p.m. May 2. $26-$60.50. Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood, 2002 Lakewood Way, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.
Haim
The sister act of Este, Danielle and Alana Haim (rhymes with “time”) broke through last year with their rock hit “The Wire.” Though the band is often compared with Fleetwood Mac, Danielle was once in the all-female backing band for Cee Lo Green, and the sisters frequently have acknowledged their love of ’90s R&B like TLC and Destiny’s Child. Their 2013 debut, “Days Are Gone,” achieved more critical than commercial success in the U.S., but the album has sold more than 100,000 copies in the U.K.
With Shy Girls. 8 p.m. May 2. Sold out. The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.
SATURDAY
Eric Clapton
Clapton wowed the crowd at Gwinnett Arena last March and recently wrapped the first leg of his 2014 tour in Japan. In his performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival last weekend, Slowhand reportedly went heavier on the solos than the hits — not that anyone will really complain about that (well, unless you really wanted to hear "Sunshine of Your Love" and "Tears in Heaven," neither of which he played there). Keyboardist-singer Paul Carrack, formerly of Squeeze and Mike and the Mechanics, is still on board (he joined the band for last year's tour), as is longtime guitarist Andy Fairweather-Low.
With ZZ Ward. 7:30 p.m. May 3. $125-$250. No tables or coolers. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.
MONDAY
Vampire Weekend
The New York quartet also engaged a New Orleans jazz fest audience this past weekend with its percussive pop-rock-world music, including “Unbelievers” and “Diane Young” (say it fast). Their third studio album, “Modern Vampires of the City,” arrived last year and picked up a Grammy in January for best alternative music album.
8 p.m. May 5. $27-$37. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499.
TUESDAY
Lady Gaga
So her “Artpop” album has to be considered an art-flop. But that doesn’t mean that the endearing freak show known as Gaga won’t deliver onstage. We don’t know yet what to expect since the tour doesn’t launch until Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Atlanta is the second date.) But, based on prior Gaga outings, it’s a safe guess that powerhouse vocals, bizarre stage settings and engaging performance art will be front and center at this Artpop Ball.
With Lady Starlight, Hatsune Miku. 7:30 p.m. May 6. $47.85-$233.20. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.
WEDNESDAY
The Wanted
Catch ’em while you can, kids. The hunky English-Irish boy band managed by Atlanta’s own Scooter Braun announced earlier this year that a hiatus is planned after this tour. What that means for the Wanted’s future is unclear — the quintet wants to pursue solo options — but, for now, feel free to indulge in the guilty pleasures known as “Chasing the Sun” and “Glad You Came.”
With Cassio Monroe and Midnight Red. 8 p.m. May 7. $29.50. The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.
THURSDAY
James Blunt
Several years ago, we couldn’t escape this handsome balladeer, made all the more dashing by his previous stint in the British Army before bursting through with “You’re Beautiful.” Now that we’ve had almost a decade to let the lingering effects of that falsetto wedding song du jour fade a bit, we’re thrilled to welcome Blunt back to the U.S. charts with his most recent hit, the acoustic foot-stomper “Bonfire Heart.”
8 p.m. May 8. $33 (advance), $35 (day of show). Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-885-1365.
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