FRIDAY
The Fray
Some might consider the Colorado-based quartet the ultimate in generic, radio-friendly pop-rock. But who can deny the piano-laden hooks of chart-toppers “How to Save a Life,” “You Found Me” and “Over My Head (Cable Car)”? The band’s recent hit, “Love Don’t Die,” from its fourth album, “Helios,” showcases a slight shift in direction with a stomping beat and chant-along chorus.
With Barcelona and Oh Honey. 7 p.m. July 18. $30.50-$59.50. No table setup, no coolers or carry-ins allowed. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Ray LaMontagne
The sensitive soul-folk-blues singer-guitarist released his fifth album, “Supernova,” in April. With production (and musical assist) from the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, the album has been praised for its willingness to explore different sonic palettes; Britain’s The Guardian newspaper praises “Supernova” as “an unlikely perfect summer soundtrack.” Jenny Lewis, formerly of Rilo Kiley, is readying her new solo album, “The Voyager,” and is garnering social media stats for her amusing “Just One of the Guys” video featuring Anne Hathaway and Kristen Stewart in drag. The song is pretty great, too.
With Jenny Lewis and the Belle Brigade. 7:30 p.m. July 18. $19.50-$55.50. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Kiss and Def Leppard
It’s an ’80s hair metal fan’s dream. For all of the like-minded tour pairings in the classic rock and country genres, this is the first time these behemoths have shared a bill. Kiss is plugging its newly released 40th anniversary set, “Kiss 40,” while Def Leppard, which is working on new material, will offer selections from its string of 25-plus rock hits.
With Kobra and the Lotus. 7 p.m. July 18. $36-$175. Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood, 2002 Lakewood Way, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Indigo Girls
Earlier this year, Amy Ray released her fifth solo album, “Goodnight Tender.” Her Indigo partner, Emily Saliers, always stays busy and is culling songs for her first solo album. But nothing tops the potency of their shared sound, so the best news is that the duo is recording a new album this fall for release likely early next year.
8 p.m. July 18 (A Fragile Tomorrow opens) and July 19 (Hannah Thomas opens). $49.50 (members), $51.50 (general public). Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E. Atlanta. 1-877-725-8849, www.ticketalternative.com.
SUNDAY
Procol Harum
The ’60s-era British prog rockers will forever be linked to “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” and the band continues to cement its legacy. In March, Procol Harum released “Inside/Outside,” a double CD containing more than 40 years of studio and live recordings. The current lineup features Keith Reid, Geoff Whitehorn, Matt Pegg, Josh Phillips, Geoff Dunn and, of course, founding member Gary Brooker, who has worked with George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Kate Bush and Eric Clapton over the years in addition to his own band.
8 p.m. July 20. $29.50-$77.50. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-733-5000, www.aso.org.
TUESDAY
Beck
When Beck’s first album in six years, “Morning Phase,” arrived in February, it came with a sense of nostalgia. He calls it a “companion piece” to his 2002 release, “Sea Change,” and even uses the services of several musicians from that earlier album. It’s probably safe to say that Beck is back.
8 p.m. July 22. $40.50-$75. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, http://foxtheatre.org/.
WEDNESDAY
Sara Bareilles
Though she broke through with 2007's bouncy "Love Song," the past year has witnessed the true arrival of Bareilles. An ace pianist and songwriter (pal Richard Marx recently called her "incredibly soulful and smart"), Bareilles reached a new level of popularity with the beautifully melodic (and now ubiquitous) "Brave." She also earned a prestigious album of the year Grammy nomination for "The Blessed Unrest," released last July.
7 p.m. July 23. $25-$75. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive NW, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
THURSDAY
American Idol Live!
It's hardly the squeal-inducing, arena-sellout juggernaut of the past, but there is still some appeal to these "American Idol" live shows, even as they continue to downsize. Fans of this season 13 crew won't get to see contestant Dexter Roberts (the seventh-place finisher), who recently left the tour due to an undisclosed illness. But winner Caleb Johnson will be there, as well as Jena Irene, Alex Preston, Jessica Meuse, Sam Woolf, CJ Harris, Malaya Watson, Majesty Rose and MK Nobilette.
8 p.m. July 24. $30.50-$80.50. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
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