Strings and contemporary music aren’t a new marriage, but a handful of rock and R&B concerts this fall will emphasize a commitment to classical with symphonic-leaning performances. Meanwhile, two of Atlanta’s most notable festivals will commandeer the calendar in early September.
One Music Fest. It's the 10th year for the still-evolving R&B/hip-hop gathering and undoubtedly its most star-laden lineup. From Gucci Mane to Rick Ross, Rae Sremmurd to DMX, Pharrell Williams with Usher to Wu-Tang Clan (celebrating their own 25th anniversary), the festival originated by Atlanta's Jason "J" Carter is continuing his dream of establishing an "urban cultural Woodstock." Artists will perform across three stages during the two-day outing. Sept. 7-8. $75 one day, $149 two days, $275 two-day VIP, $750 two-day platinum. Centennial Olympic Park, 235 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Atlanta. 888-512-7469, www.onemusicfest.com.
Music Midtown.It's no secret that Atlanta's biggest musical festival has skewed younger in recent years. And with a lineup topped by Travis Scott, Cardi B, Panic! At the Disco, Billie Eilish and Vampire Weekend, it continues to appeal to a demographic happy to stand in the heat of Piedmont Park for a couple of days. Performing on four stages, the lineup for the festival's 25th anniversary includes other noteworthy players such as Lizzo, Charlie Puth, Lord Huron, Tash Sultana, Kali Uchis, Walk The Moon and Atlanta-based rappers Lil Yachty and 6lack. Noon-11 p.m. Sept. 14, noon-10 p.m. Sept. 15. $155 two-day general admission, $600 two-day VIP, $1,250 two-day Super VIP. Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive NE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.musicmidtown.com.
The Who. One of the greatest contributors to the rock annals will flex their musical — and, in singer Roger Daltrey's case, actual — muscles this fall for the second leg of their "Move On!" tour. He and guitarist Pete Townshend will be joined by familiar Who players guitarist/backup singer Simon Townshend, keyboardist Loren Gold, bassist Jon Button and drummer Zak Starkey. They'll also be complemented by an orchestra. With Reignwolf. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18. $79.50-$308. State Farm Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Maxwell. This is the first-ever symphonic tour for the neo-soul pioneer, known for smooth grooves including "Lifetime," "Fortunate" and "Pretty Wings." Maxwell will perform with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and re-arrange his songs to collaborate with the ensemble. Sept. 27. $45-$425. Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Drive NW, Atlanta. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
A Night of Georgia Music. A trio comprised of R.E.M.'s Mike Mills, Rolling Stones keyboardist/musical director Chuck Leavell and world-renowned violinist Robert McDuffie might seem an unlikely trio. But the shared history among them is the impetus behind this short tour. The show will feature symphonic versions of songs (no vocals) from Georgia mainstays including The Allman Brothers Band, Ray Charles, Outkast, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and, of course, R.E.M., as well as the Mills-composed Concerto for Violin, Rock Band and String Orchestra. 8 p.m. Sept. 29. $29-$129. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Carrie Underwood. Country's endearing princess announced her "Cry Pretty" tour more than a year ago but didn't launch until May so she could settle in with the birth of her second child. Like her 2016 "Storyteller" tour that played Duluth, Underwood will employ an in-the-round stage, allowing fans an unobstructed view. 7 p.m. Oct. 19. $49-$340. State Farm Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Elton John.When the piano icon played a pair of Atlanta concerts in fall 2018, no one expected it to be his last appearances in one of his adopted hometowns. Granted, this "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour is the end of the road life for John, but he's providing fans more opportunities to witness his 2.5-hour blasts of old-fashioned rock stardom, packed with hits and taut musicianship. 8 p.m. Nov. 1-2. $589-$2,005. State Farm Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Read more about Atlanta's fall arts and entertainment offerings here:
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