FRIDAY
Aimee Mann
Of course, she’ll always being associated with “Voices Carry” and the sublime pop of ′80s outfit ′Til Tuesday, but Mann has crafted an amazingly sturdy solo career of wry, sometimes stinging folk-pop, from 1993’s “Whatever” through last year’s “Charmer.” Opener Ted Leo is also her collaborator in the new duo #BOTH.
With Ted Leo. 8:30 p.m. Oct. 4. $30. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-524-7354.
J. Cole
Cole, who has been rapping since he was a 12-year-old growing up in North Carolina, is a Jay-Z protégé with a couple of No. 1 albums on his resume. He’s worked with Miguel, TLC and Kendrick Lamar on recent hits and his second official album, “Born Sinner,” released in June, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard album chart, and Cole’s popularity soon pushed it to the top slot. Not many tickets remain for his Atlanta gig, so act fast.
With Wale. 8 p.m. Oct. 4. $52.70-$74.60. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499.
Brian Wilson and Jeff Beck
This unique pairing materialized when Wilson asked Beck to play on his upcoming solo album. The legendary guitarist "blew my mind," Wilson said in a recent interview with the AJC. "He can play anything." That's sort of the plan for the show, which will feature the two icons performing their respective hits together, then taking solo spins in the spotlight and coming together again for a finale expected to include some Yardbirds tunes.
8 p.m. Oct. 4. $35-$55. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.
SATURDAY
Sigur Rós
The Icelandic band, named after the sister of frontman Jónsi Birgisson, has been providing its unique blend of ethereal pop with overtones of classical music since 1994. The group recently released its seventh studio album, “Kveikur” (which translates to “fuse” or “candlewick”), and has been on an 82-date tour since late last year.
With Julianna Barwick. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5. $35.50-$45.50. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.
TUESDAY
Fun.
Atlanta is at the tail end of the band’s Most Nights tour, but hopefully they won’t be tired of singing “We Are Young” and “Carry On.” It would be exceptionally groovy if Atlanta-based Janelle Monae, who adds a key vocal to “Young,” popped by for a cameo. Expect new music from the group in early 2014.
8 p.m. Oct. 8. $29.50-$39.50. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, Alpharetta.
1-800-745-3000.
WEDNESDAY
Sarah Brightman
Before she heads into space (for real), the woman who popularized the classical crossover genre is embarking on her first U.S. tour in five years. Her set reportedly will feature lavish costumes and elaborate lighting, all inspired by … space. She also supplies a New Agey version of “Ave Maria” and makes a run at the ubiquitous “Nessun Dorma,” all surrounded by spectacular staging.
8 p.m. Oct. 9. $101.20-$281.55. Fox Theatre. 1-855-285-8499.
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