FRIDAY
Duran Duran
When Duran Duran opened its U.S. tour last month in Durham, N.C., it brought a stunning visual array that is perfectly suited for a cavernous arena. The band — John Taylor, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and Roger Taylor — is touring behind its zesty new album, "Paper Gods," and plays several of the album's stronger tracks (might we see Janelle Monae for a "Pressure Off" cameo?). But the set list is also stocked with fan favorites, from their impeccable cover of Grandmaster Flash's "White Lines" to sumptuous ballads "Ordinary World" and "Save a Prayer" to dance floor sparklers "Rio" and "I Don't Want Your Love." Influential music friend Nile Rodgers and Chic will also be on hand for the arena dates (fun fact, this is Duran's first headlining arena show in Atlanta since a 1984 gig at The Omni).
7 p.m. April 15. $29.95-$140. With Chic featuring Nile Rodgers. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
SATURDAY
Bryan Adams
The Canadian rocker kicks off the season at the Alpharetta amphitheater with his tour in support of his new album, "Get Up," which he produced with ELO's Jeff Lynne, and has spawned the minor — yet deserving — hit, "Brand New Day." Adams always makes sure to reward the faithful, though, and insert "Summer of '69," "Cuts Like a Knife," "Run to You" and other air guitar gems from the '80s into his shows.
8 p.m. April 16. $19.50-$109.50. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Hunter Hayes
It seems as if the cherubic voice (and face) behind "Wanted" and "I Want Crazy" has been doing the country-pop thing for at least a decade, but the precocious musical talent is only 24. Hayes, who has been visiting plenty of college campuses since his "21" tour kicked off last fall, said in a recent interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that even though he didn't attend college himself, "I'm spoiled … I get to enjoy the best of both playing music and being on campuses."
7 p.m. (gates) April 16. $25-$50. Fifth Third Bank Stadium at Kennesaw State University, 3200 George Busbee Parkway N.W., Kennesaw. 1-877-725-8849, www.ticketalternative.com.
Jethro Tull
The name of the show bears the subtitle “Written and performed by Ian Anderson.” The explanation is that Anderson is reimagining his namesake with a “narrative set in the near future.” The show — which wraps its two-week U.S. run with the Fox performance — will include some of the best-known Jethro Tull selections as well as several new tunes. In “Jethro Tull,” Anderson also touches on topical issues including climate change, intensive food production and population growth.
8 p.m. April 16. $26-$96. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.
SUNDAY
‘A Night With Janis Joplin’
In 2014, the Broadway production of this musical feast earned a Tony nomination for its star, Mary Bridget Davies. It was an unsurprising accolade considering the rock belter has toured with Joplin's original band, Big Brother & the Holding Company, as well as blues guitarist Robert Lockwood Jr. The thrust of the show celebrates the music of Joplin and her influences — Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simon and Bessie Smith. Joplin standards "Piece of My Heart," "Cry Baby" and "Me and Bobby McGee" are all part of the production.
6:30 p.m. April 17. $39-$79.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.
Steve Hackett
The former Genesis guitarist is one of the most influential, having inspired everyone from Eddie Van Halen to Brian May with his two-handed tapping technique. Hackett has released a slew of solo albums since leaving Genesis in the ‘70s, most recently “Wolflight,” which received critical raves for its innovation.
7:30 p.m. April 17. $29.50-$79.50. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
About the Author
