Live music picks

FRIDAY

Dave Barnes

Though he’s only had a handful of his own hits on the country charts, the Nashville singer-songwriter has some rather heady megastars attached to his name. Blake Shelton recorded “God Gave Me You,” a Barnes composition that sold more than a million copies, while Tim McGraw covered his Christmas song, “Mary & Joseph.” With pals like Amy Grant and Vince Gill in his corner, Barnes continues to forge a respectable career. His latest album, “Golden Days,” arrived in January.

With Andy Davis. 7 and 9:30 p.m. April 4. $25-$28 advance, $27-$30 at door. Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth. 404-478-2749.

SATURDAY

Mike Tramp

You likely remember his distinctive, slightly nasal rock yelp from ’80s hair band classics “Wait” and “When the Children Cry.” His chiseled cheekbones and mane of blond curls made him the most memorable thing about White Lion, a glam-metal band from Denmark that was a fixture on MTV. But Tramp has been flying solo since the late ’90s and released his seventh solo album, “Cobblestone Street,” last year. Oh, and the locks are long gone, too.

9 p.m. April 5. $10 advance, $12 at door. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 1-877-725-8849.

Anvil

The Canadian heavy metal band has been slashing and thrashing since the late ’70s. While its recent releases haven’t exactly been commercially viable (last year’s “Hope in Hell” reportedly sold less than 1,000 copies), the band has remained a touring draw worldwide. The current lineup is comprised of original drummer Robb Reiner and lead singer-guitarist Steve “Lips” Kudlow, who are joined by bassist Sal Italiano, recruited in 2012 from a Long Island-based Iron Maiden cover band.

With Leaving Babylon. 8:30 p.m. April 5. $15. Masquerade, 695 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.

SUNDAY

Todd Rundgren

It’s officially dubbed An Unpredictable Evening With Todd Rundgren for a reason: The progressive rocker, music experimenter and renowned producer is the definition of idiosyncratic. His 24th solo studio album, “State,” arrived last April and, like all interesting Rundgren works, melds rock, R&B, soul and even some electronica into a stew that somehow makes sense as created by him. Yes, he’s still playing pop gems “I Saw the Light” and “Hello It’s Me,” but those aren’t the reasons to see him live.

8 p.m. April 6. $30 advance, $32.50 at door. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-524-7354.

WEDNESDAY

Scott Stapp

Known (and frequently mocked) as the lead singer of bro-rockers Creed (think Nickelback with a slight religious bent), Stapp is still having the last laugh, considering the group sold more than 50 million albums in its “Higher” and “With Arms Wide Open” heyday of the early 2000s. The future of Creed may be unclear, but Stapp released his second solo album, “Proof of Life,” last fall. Don’t worry, though, Creed fans — he’s still playing some of their biggest hits during his concerts.

8 p.m. April 9. $22. Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-885-1365.

The Robert Cray Band

This is the 40th anniversary of the Robert Cray Band, an occasion marked with a new album, “In My Soul,” which arrived this week. The R&B-leaning release features eight original Cray songs, as well as covers of Otis Redding (“Nobody’s Fault But Mine”) and Lou Rawls (“Your Good Thing [Is About to End].”). The Columbus native has been slinging a blues guitar since he was a teenager and can frequently be found playing alongside old friend Eric Clapton.