FRIDAY
Charlie Starr
The Blackberry Smoke frontman with the grooviest sideburns this side of Neil Young just played with his band at last weekend's Alex Cooley memorial, and this weekend he will hit the stage solo for a pair of intimate shows. His band will kick-start the engines for another round of dates in February and March, but Starr solo will include plenty of his signature gritty guitar playing and soul-soaked voice.
7:15 and 9:30 p.m. Jan. 15. $16. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-435-9849, www.ticketfly.com.
SATURDAY
Grace Potter
With her band the Nocturnals, Potter unleashed five albums filled with strutting rock. But for her first solo record in 13 years, last year’s “Midnight,” she opted to take a lighter route, focusing on electronic groove and purposeful pop. The Vermont rocker is leaving her Nocturnals bandmates behind for this road trip, but will have a seven-piece band, including three keyboardists, with her.
8 p.m. Jan. 16. $30. The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Waka Flocka Flame
The Atlanta-based rapper hadn’t released an official album since 2012, and fans will continue to await the release of his EDM-inspired album, “Turn up God,” or “Flockaveli II.” For now, they can celebrate his latest mix tape, the 15-song prelude, “Flockaveli 1.5,” while Flocka continues to publicly express frustration with his record label.
With Russ & Kelechi. 9 p.m. Jan. 16. $22.50 (advance) and $25 (day of show). Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
TUESDAY
Lamb of God
The Richmond, Va.-based metal band has endured its share of “sturm und drang” the past few years (Google singer Randy Blythe and Prague for the full story), so it’s no wonder it named its seventh studio album, released last summer, “VII: Sturm und Drang.”
With Anthrax, Deafheaven and Power Trip. 7 p.m. Jan. 19. $35. The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
WEDNESDAY
Madonna
Atlanta originally was one of the first dates on the “Rebel Heart” tour, until production issues bumped back the launch date. Now, we’re at the tail end of the North American jaunt. Fans will hear many selections from her underrated “Rebel Heart” album, but those who still prefer old-school Madonna should have plenty of reason to get into the groove. Her set list, which doesn’t vary much between shows, has included “Holiday,” “Who’s That Girl” and a medley featuring “Lucky Star” and “Dress You Up.”
8 p.m. Jan. 20. $44-$359. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
