FRIDAY
Leonard Cohen
The Canadian singer-poet-musician-writer has released 12 studio albums — the most recent, “Old Ideas,” in January 2012 — and six live albums over his 40-year career. He’s never had a “hit,” but songs such as “Bird on the Wire” (1969) and his treasure, “Hallelujah” (1984), keep introducing him to new generations. The latter song, popularized by John Cale and later Jeff Buckley, has been the cornerstone of his songwriting career, with more than 300 cover versions floating around, from Rufus Wainwright to Bon Jovi to Il Divo. Cohen, 78, still performs the song live in a show that reportedly spans two sets and nearly three hours.
8 p.m. March 22. $46.50-$247. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499.
SATURDAY
Randall Bramblett
Last May, when Marc Cohn had to pull out of his opening slot for Bonnie Raitt at the last minute at Cobb Energy Centre, she called her old friend, Georgia native Bramblett, to do the honors. The multi-instrumentalist also joined Raitt onstage during her set to perform “Used to Rule the World,” a song he co-wrote on her Grammy-winning “Slipstream” record. Now Bramblett — who also spent parts of 2012 with the Allman Brothers, Widespread Panic and Sam Bush — will celebrate the release of his latest album, “The Bright Spots.” The show also launches a couple of months worth of dates for the road horse.
8 p.m. March 23. $15 (advance) and $18 (at door). General admission. Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth. 404-478-2749.
Rodney Carrington
Carrington is that triple threat of singer-actor-comedian, and the Texan has won fans over his 15-year career with his sometimes crass, sometimes juvenile humor. It didn’t sit well with a recent audience in Nebraska, many of whom walked out during the show, according to a local review. But when Carrington pulls out his guitar to perform tracks from his five studio albums — which have sold about 3 million copies — all is usually forgiven. On this tour, he has covered Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and presented an ode to Salma Hayek’s chest. Carrington’s most recent album, “El Nino Loco,” bowed in 2009.
8 p.m. March 23. $43.75. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499.
WEDNESDAY
Maroon 5
Quick, can you name someone in the band other than ubiquitous frontman Adam Levine? You probably can’t — and that’s OK. The band’s distinctive-voiced singer is such a presence, thanks to his tenure as a judge on NBC’s “The Voice,” that Maroon 5 is now basically Levine and Co. But it works. A few years ago, the band was slipping in popularity and radio presence, but the risky “Moves Like Jagger” — a disco ball pop piffle — coupled with Levine’s “Voice” gig, catapulted them to a new level of success. That explains this sold-out arena tour.
With Neon Trees and Owl City. 7:30 p.m. March 27. Sold out. Philips Arena, One Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.
Eric Clapton
Slowhand amusingly named his new album — his 20th — “Old Sock,” a seeming reference to his age (he turns 68 three days after the show). He also recently noted that he’ll probably take a page from JJ Cale’s book and quit touring at 70, so catch him while you can. But while reveling in his extraordinary five-decades-plus career, also check out “Sock,” which features two new Clapton songs and covers of some of his favorites from childhood. Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood and Cale guest.
With the Wallflowers. 7:30 p.m. March 27. $76-$96. Gwinnett Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 1-800-745-3000.
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