FRIDAY
Robin Meade’s Holiday Round Robin
The personable and talented HLN “Morning Express” star waited until the end of the year to return to the Eddie’s stage, where she sold out four performances last year, and she’s bringing some notable guests — the band Sixwire. Their songs have been recorded by country greats Tim McGraw and Kenny Rogers, they’ve toured with McGraw and Kenny Chesney, and you just might recognize them as Rayna James’ band on ABC’s “Nashville.” Meade’s fun, free-form round-robin-style show will include original songs, covers and some percussive holiday classics.
7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 4. $25. Eddie's Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-725-8849, eddiesattic.com.
Will Downing’s Soulful Sounds of Christmas
For 27 years, R&B crooner Downing has been melting hearts with songs such as “A Million Ways” and “Sorry I.” For his holiday excursion, he’ll be joined by Kenny Lattimore and Maysa, while hosting duties will fall to MC Lightfoot.
8 p.m. Dec. 4. $35-$89. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
Nick Lowe’s Quality Holiday Revue
A couple of years ago, the British New Wave pioneer got past his feeling of being “appalled” at the thought of recording a Christmas album and released “Quality Street: A Seasonal Selection for All the Family,” which merged lesser-known Christmas songs such as “Christmas Can’t Be Far Away” and “I Wish it Could Be Christmas Every Day” with originals that showcase Lowe’s sly wit. His live show will, of course, spotlight many of those “Quality” tracks, as well as his nonholiday favorites. Lowe will be backed by Nashville’s Los Straitjackets, who are expected to contribute to the Christmas vibe with their own material.
With Los Straitjackets and the Cactus Blossoms Duo. 8:30 p.m. Dec. 4. $27.50 (advance) and $30 (day of the show). Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
SATURDAY
Brian Setzer Orchestra
The rockabilly rouser has been a staple on the holiday concert scene for years, thanks to “Dig That Crazy Christmas,” the gift that has been giving since 2005. But, earlier this year, Setzer realized there were “a gazillion” Christmas songs still untapped by his imaginative arranging skills, so “Rockin’ Rudolph,” his first Christmas release in a decade, was born.
8 p.m. Dec. 5. $35-$75. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
MONDAY
Sturgill Simpson
Much like the suddenly hot Chris Stapleton, Simpson is emerging as an “it” guy in country music. Also like Stapleton, Simpson isn’t a newcomer to the industry — he’s been an active musician since 2004, when he formed the bluegrass band Sunday Valley. In 2013, Simpson, who falls more into the “outlaw country” side of the genre, released his first solo album and, in May 2014, he rolled out “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music,” which received a slew of critical accolades and has sold more than 150,000 copies.
With Billy Wayne Davis. 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7-8. $30. The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, livenation.com.
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