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FRIDAY
Michael Feinstein
Rod Stewart and Tony Bennett have had great commercial success interpreting pop standards, but singer-pianist Feinstein truly has a claim to the title of ambassador of the Great American Songbook. A self-avowed Gershwin fanatic, Feinstein last year released a book, “The Gershwins and Me,” that included a CD of Gershwin standards. He’ll take over Symphony Hall for two dates with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Sam Kriger conducting.
8 p.m. May 24. Also May 25. $29-$65. Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-733-5000.
BWB
The trio of Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown — known as BWB — kicks off the weekend at the Atlanta Jazz Festival with a ticketed Chastain show with guest Chrisette Michele. The show is a table setup, so coolers and the usual Chastain accompaniments are welcome. See below for more info on the rest of the jazz fest weekend.
7:30 p.m. May 24. $35-$55. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.
SATURDAY
The 36th annual jazz fest this year will focus on Generation Next with a lineup of more than 20 acts, including Cécile McLorin Salvant, Dominick Farinacci, Me’shell Ndegeocello (performing a dedication to Nina Simone), José James, Tia Fuller, Aruán Ortiz, Gretchen Parlato and Rudresh Mahanthappa’s Gamak. The fest also will include a KidZone area, shopping and food vendors. While the fest is free, a 10 p.m. ticketed show at the Loews Atlanta Hotel takes place Sunday with Dionne Farris and the Russell Gunn Quartet (tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Visit www.ticketalternative.com or call 1-877-725-8849 to purchase). For a full jazz festival schedule and lineup, visit www.atlantafestivals.com.
10 a.m.-11 p.m. May 25, May 26 and May 27. Free. Piedmont Park, 400 Park Dr. N.E., Atlanta.
SUNDAY
The Charlie Daniels Band
Who around here isn’t up for hearing “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” virtually any time? The Southern country-rockers, fronted by 76-year-old Daniels, will cap an evening of free shows at the Salute the Troops event. Teen singer Alex Hall kicks things off at 5:45 p.m., country singer Doug McCormick is up at 6:45 p.m. and the CDB at 7:45, followed by the park’s Laser Show Spectacular.
May 26. Free. Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690.
THURSDAY
Hall & Oates
The Philly soul-pop duo of Daryl Hall and John Oates is a live act to be relished. Their hit list, stretching from 1974 to the mid-2000s, is significant, and the pair pleases fans by trotting out such familiar radio fodder as “Rich Girl,” “Out of Touch,” “Private Eyes,” “Kiss on My List,” “Sara Smile” and “Maneater.” Anyone who has caught Hall’s excellent “Live From Daryl’s House” Web series knows his musical chops are undiminished and he’s still a cool cat. Ditto Oates, with or without the mustache.
8 p.m. May 30. $33.50-$55. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.
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