SATURDAY
Third Day
Atlanta’s premier Christian rockers are touring behind “Miracle,” their 11th studio album helmed by Atlanta superproducer Brendan O’Brien and released last fall. While frontman Mac Powell has also established himself as a solo performer — leaning toward country — this tour is all about the band. The singles “Hit Me Like a Bomb” and “I Need a Miracle” made notable showings on the Christian music charts both in the U.S. and U.K.
With Colton Dixon and Josh Wilson. 7:30 p.m. April 13. $17-$72. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499
Jason Aldean
It’s hard to argue with Aldean’s dominance at the moment. When tickets to this show — the first-ever concert held at UGA’s stadium — went on sale in November, they sold out within 45 minutes. A couple of weeks ago, some production holds were made available, so a few tickets remain. The Macon native is riding his “Night Train” release all the way to the bank and placing him in the rarified air of a stadium act. Later this summer he plays Fenway Park and Wrigley Field.
With Luke Bryan, Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett. 6:30 p.m. April 13. $55-$69.75. Sanford Stadium at the University of Georgia, 100 Sanford Drive, Athens. 1-800-745-3000.
They Might Be Giants
The quirky duo of John Flansburgh and John Linnell is celebrating 30 years of existence as TMBG, and last month they released “Nanobots,” their 16th studio album. The new record comes a few months after the indie pop-rockers released a 10th anniversary deluxe first of “No!”, their first album for kids. The band — usually joined live by Dan Miller on guitar, Danny Weinkauf on bass and Marty Beller on drums — has only a handful of radio hits (“Birdhouse in Your Soul,” “Ana Ng,” “Snail Shell”) from the late ’80s to mid-’90s, but their cult status is undiminished.
8:30 p.m. April 13 (also 8 p.m. April 14). $22.50 (advance), $25 (day of show) or $40 for a two-day pass. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-524-7354.
SUNDAY
Steel Panther
With album titles such as “Feel the Steel” and “Balls Out” and band members named Lexxi Foxx and Stix Zadinia (the drummer, naturally), do you think Steel Panther takes itself too seriously? The L.A.-based metal band — known in its early days as Metal Shop and then Metal Skool — represents everything that is awesomely fun about the ’80s hair metal scene. And, considering that they’ve toured with Motley Crue, Def Leppard and Guns N’ Roses, they have legitimate rock chops as well.
With Hillbilly Herald. 8 p.m. April 14. $22.50. The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.
WEDNESDAY
Boney James
He might be filed under “smooth jazz,” but James is hardly a background music saxophonist. His songs fuse R&B with jazz and often include Latin rhythms and percussion. It’s a sound well established on his just-released “The Beat,” which features trumpeter Rick Braun, R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn and spoken-word artist The Floacist.
8 p.m. April 17. $41.50-$51.50. Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-885-1365.
THURSDAY
Taylor Swift
With her “Red” tour a few weeks under way, Swift is earning praise for her charmingly elaborate stage setup, well-chosen set list and her uncanny ability to identify with fans. She’s also had some special guests pop up — Nelly in St. Louis and Train in Newark, N.J. — so maybe Atlanta’s B.o.B. will come out during one of her two shows to join her on their duet, “Both of Us.” Swift’s exhaust-a-thon will keep her on the road through September.
With Ed Sheeran. 7 p.m. April 18 (also April 19). $29.50-$84.50. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-745-300.
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