FRIDAY
Brantley Gilbert
Brantley Gilbert achieved the biggest success of his career with the May release of “Just as I Am,” his third album. The Jefferson native debuted at No. 1 on the country album chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 album chart thanks in part to the chart-topping success of the album’s first single, “Bottoms Up.” His “Let It Ride” tour kicked off its second leg Sept. 19, but since then, the soft-spoken singer-songwriter has also expanded his national visibility as a presenter on the CMA Awards earlier this month and with an American Music Award win (for favorite country album) earlier this week.
With Tyler Farr and Chase Bryant. 7 p.m. Nov. 28. $15-$37. The Arena at Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 1-888-929-7849, www.gwinnettcenter.com.
SATURDAY
The 1975
When the boys from Manchester, England, came to town in May, they turned the Buckhead Theatre into a sweaty shriek-fest. Now they get to do it again in a larger venue. While the magnetism of frontman Matthew Healy is undeniable, so is the 1975’s way with a melody. Take a little Prince, some Duran Duran and a pinch of Snow Patrol and follow the groove of “Chocolate” and “Girls.”
8 p.m. Nov. 29. Sold out. The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Shawn Mullins
It’s become somewhat of a tradition for Mullins to hit the Variety Playhouse the weekend after Thanksgiving. The acoustic troubadour with the appealingly gritty-yet-sweet voice last dropped a studio album in 2010, the underappreciated “Light You Up,” but of course his most familiar song, “Lullaby,” still makes the cut. Fans are encouraged to bring three cans of food to the show (and all shows at the venue through December) to benefit Intown Collaborative Ministries.
With MKG. 8:30 p.m. Nov. 29. $22.50. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-524-7354, www.variety-playhouse.com.
Cracker
Coming Dec. 9 from the ever-sardonic alt-rockers is their 10th studio release, “Berkeley to Bakersfield,” a double album that finds the band exploring the musical inclinations of the two California areas — harder-edged rock around Berkeley and country twang in Bakersfield. Longtime fans will thrill at the news that the “Berkeley” album finds the original Cracker lineup recording together for the first time in almost two decades. The “Bakersfield” disc, meanwhile, showcases Cracker’s Americana leanings.
8:30 p.m. Nov. 29 (with the Head) and 1:30 p.m. Nov. 30 (with Tag Team). $18 (advance) and $20 (day of show). The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave. S.E., Atlanta. 1-877-725-8849, www.ticketalternative.com.
SUNDAY
Kristian Bush and Friends
Kristian Bush is preparing the release of his first solo album, “Southern Gravity,” but that isn’t changing his holiday plans. The ace singer-songwriter will perform his annual post-Thanksgiving shows at Eddie’s Attic, and this year, demand called for four concerts. Joining Bush on Nov. 30 are Canaan Smith and Larkin Poe; and on Dec. 1, Smith, Poe and Ellis Paul.
With Canaan Smith and Larkin Poe on Nov. 30 (6:30 and 9:30 p.m.); and Smith, Poe and Ellis Paul on Dec. 1 (7 and 9:30 p.m.). $25 (advance) and $32 (at the door). Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-725-8849, www.ticketalternative.com.
WEDNESDAY
Dave Koz and Friends
The smooth jazz saxophonist has become such a holiday mainstay that he’s earned the nickname Santa Koz. You know, it kinda works! This year, Koz’s “friends” are renowned R&B-jazz guitarist Jonathan Butler, ’80s soft rock god Christopher Cross (wouldn’t you love to hear “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” with a Christmas spin?) and Brazilian singer Maysa.
8 p.m. Dec. 3. $26-$86. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
