Classic rock acts roll into Atlanta

Now 44 years later, almost exactly to the day, Paul McCartney takes the stage Saturday at Piedmont Park’s Green Concert. Talk about a long and winding road.

Replacing the ’65 show’s glut of screaming teenage girls will be throngs of aging boomers, Beatles-loving tots and all points in between, a true testament to the power of Macca’s pen. And although Sir Paul can’t deny yesterday, the 67-year-old icon promises a more than 30-song, career-spanning set with newer numbers mingling among a larger amount of classics.

But this ain’t no ordinary gig. Organizers expect a massive convergence of 50,000 folks in the park’s restored 10th Street Meadow. So before preparing to flick your Bic during a “Hey Jude” singalong, consider this quickie survival guide.

Drive my car? Not!: Never mind searching for parking in or around Piedmont Park or in the adjacent neighborhoods. It’s not happening. In fact, cars won’t even be allowed near the concert entrance at all. On Saturday, all of 10th Street around Piedmont Park will be closed. Event planners suggest taking a MARTA train to Midtown or Arts Center station. From there, it’s about a 10- to 15-minute walk to the park. For those who can’t hoof it, ADA will be running shuttles. Bicycle parking, however, is allowed. The main concert entrance will be at Charles Allen and 10 Streets. The VIP entrance is at 10th Street and Monroe Drive.

When to get there: Since much the show is primarily general admission, fans will likely be clamoring for prime real estate. But no need to get there terribly early. VIP and pre-sale ticket holders are allowed in at 4 p.m., all others at 5 p.m.

To bring or not to bring: Each guest is allowed one blanket and that’s about it. No bags, backpacks, outside food or drink, chairs, cameras, video or digital recorders, or umbrellas. Purses will be searched.

What you’ll hear: McCartney has been keeping his recent live set lists basically consistent. If last week’s Boston shows are any indication, he’ll dish out a Beatles-heavy roster.

5 p.m. Saturday. $79.50-$400. Piedmont Park's 10th Street Meadow, 400 Park Drive, Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com, www.piedmontpark.org.

The Temptations

Nutshell: After more than 40 years, Motown's legendary vocal group ain't too proud to beg for a little attention. Otis Williams is the only original member still living, and the group continues to tour and perform everlasting pop like "My Girl" and "Just My Imagination." The Temps' ace vocal harmonies obviously made an impression on McCartney and the Beatles. And don't forget the fancy footwork.

Biggest Hit: 1965's "My Girl" became the group's first No. 1 single and remains its signature tune. It's appeared on a slew of film and TV soundtracks, including 1983's "The Big Chill." Inspired the 1991 film "My Girl."

Sharing the bill with: Ashford & Simpson.

Friday at 8. $20-$75. Chastain Park Amphitheater, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com.

Steely Dan

Nutshell: Donald Fagen and Walter Becker's jazz-rock cocktail began its rise in the early '70s. Although its snappy, often dark-themed numbers -- think "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" and "Reelin' in the Years" -- became rock radio staples, the band rarely toured. Instead the two core members presided over critical and commercially successful albums packed with top-shelf musicians. Hits and Grammy nods withstanding, Fagen and Becker put the band on ice in 1981. The two reconvened in 1993 and have been recording and touring ever since.

Pop culture nuggets: Before forming Steely Dan, Fagen and Becker performed in The Leather Canary, a group that occasionally included comedian Chevy Chase. Fagen and Becker, both lovers of Beat lit, chose the name Steely Dan, which refers to a sex toy in the William S. Burroughs novel "Naked Lunch."

8 p.m. Saturday. $39-$115. Chastain Park Amphitheater, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com.

Def Leppard

Nutshell: With its pop-friendly, power chord-infused hard rock, Def Leppard became one of the most successful acts of its kind in the '80s. Born out of Sheffield, England, the band first caught fire in the U.S. with its 1983 disc, "Pyromania." Popularity and record sales continued to rise. And despite personnel problems and professional ups and downs, the band keeps rocking.

Sharing the bill with: Cheap Trick and Poison.

7 p.m. Saturday. $18.75-$125. Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood, 2002 Lakewood Way, Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com.

Crosby, Stills & Nash

Nutshell: A '60s folk-rock supergroup, the band was a culmination of members from The Byrds, The Hollies and Buffalo Springfield. Its self-titled 1969 debut was an almost-instant hit showcasing killer harmonies and hippie dippy lyrics. Comrade Neil Young joined soon thereafter. Since then, the band resurfaces periodically performing and recording with and without Young.

Essential tracks: There's no denying the harmonic bliss found on 1969's "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," the oodles of faves appearing on 1970's "Déjà Vu" album, and the multi-platinum 1977 single, "Just a Song Before I Go."

8 p.m. Monday. $40.50-$70.50. Chastain Park Amphitheater, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com.

Bonnie Raitt

Nutshell: Although the blues-based rocker was no stranger to critical praise even before her 1971 debut album, it wasn't until 1989 when Raitt raised a ruckus on the charts. Her album "Nick of Time" spawned four singles. Grammy Awards followed. Raitt's music is known to periodically hit the charts.

Sharing the bill with: Taj Mahal.

7:30 p.m. Tuesday. $35.75-$50.75. Chastain Park Amphitheater, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com.

America

Nutshell: A quintessential yacht rock outfit, America's easygoing folk-tinged pop flowed smoothly throughout the '70s and early '80s. Try getting "A Horse with No Name," "Sister Golden Hair," "Ventura Highway," and "Tin Man" out of your head.

Martin magic: Former Beatles producer George Martin worked with the band from 1974 to 1979 and helped them craft some of their most successful songs.

And then there were two: The original members were Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek. Peek left the group in 1977, but Beckley and Bunnell have continued to keep the music alive.

Sharing the bill with: Christopher Cross.

7 p.m. Wednesday. $19-$59. Chastain Park Amphitheater, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com.