FRIDAY
Paul Oakenfold
The English trance DJ is considered a pioneer in electronic dance music, traveling to Ibiza and party spots in the U.K. to pump out beats before Calvin Harris was a zygote (and for your trivia night, you’ll now know that Oakenfold also signed DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince and Salt-n-Pepa). His work with U2, Madonna, the Rolling Stones, New Order and Justin Timberlake has garnered him mainstream success far beyond the niche of EDM. He’ll bring his bag of tricks to Opera for the club’s weekly Illuminate dance party.
10 p.m. Jan. 17. $15-$40. 18 and older. Opera, 1150 B Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-874-3006.
SATURDAY
Chuck Leavell
A mere eight days after helping anchor a set of notable musicians — drummer Kenny Aronoff and guitarist Jack Pearson among them — at the Fox Theatre’s tribute to Gregg Allman, Leavell is back onstage with his old buddy Allman (who will appear for a few songs). Joining them at Celebrating Georgia With Chuck Leavell and Friends will be the Randall Bramblett Band, Jimmy Hall, Robert McDuffie, Michelle Malone and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. A tribute to Dawson native Otis Redding also is planned during the show.
8 p.m. Jan. 18. $29-$89.50. Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-733-5000.
James Durbin
The resident rocker from "American Idol" Season 10 recently told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Rodney Ho that he had a difficult time adjusting to real life after his high-profile stint on the show. But along with making some personal changes, he's also modified his sound from angry rock dude to more pop-rock. That will be reflected in "Celebration," his sophomore release coming in April. "It's definitely more of where I am as a person right now," Durbin told Ho. "The proof is in the title. I'm in full celebration every moment because, why not? Look around you. Look up in the sky. Look at the clouds. Clouds don't make mistakes. Why do I have to make mistakes? Why do I have to beat myself over things that don't matter?"
With Kelley James and Jordan Hallquist. 7 p.m. Jan. 18. $18 (general admission) and $50 (VIP meet and greet). Heaven at the Masquerade, 695 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.
SUNDAY
Grant-Lee Phillips
The California native — a recent Nashville transplant — is renowned for his deft work with an acoustic 12-string guitar and for poignant lyrics that often draw comparisons with Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. His most recent album, 2012’s “Walking in the Green Corn,” was partially funded by fans through a PledgeMusic campaign (a sort of Kickstarter for music), suggesting a fan base steeped in loyalty.
8 p.m. Jan. 19. $18 (in advance), $23 (at the door) and $90 (reserved table of four). Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-725-8849.
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