By: Shelby Lum
Alright Atlanta, now every weekend is an exciting one, but this one might be just a little better than usual! In the mood for R&B? Check out R&B master K-Ci & Jojo at the Wolf Creek Amphitheater on Saturday night. Feeling like a jam band kind of day? Head to Jerry Day at Atlantic Station in honor of Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia. Or maybe you’re a huge country fan? Well a little known country singer-songwriter, Kenny Chesney, will be rockin’ out at the Georgia Dome with Georgia’s own, Zac Brown Band! Regardless of what you want in your music weekend, we’ve got it!
Here is Atlanta Music Guide’s Weekend Picks:
Friday, August 2-Bobby Long @ Eddie’s Attic
He might be an England native, but after setting sail for the states to create Americana music, he is now promoting his sophomore effort “Wishbone.” With inspirations coming to the album from the likes of Neil Young and others, Long has created a record unlike anything he has before. Don’t miss his unforgettable show at Eddie’s Attic.
Friday, August 2-Zach Deputy @ Smith’s Olde Bar
He might have been raised in South Carolina, but Zach Deputy mixes in his Puerto Rican, Cruzan and Irish heritage in his soul-filled music. On the verge of releasing “Another Day” with the help of a Grammy award-winning producer, Deputy channels the soulful voices of Al Green, Taj Mahal and Stevie Wonder.
Friday, August 2-Jarren Benton @ The Masquerade
Straight out of Decatur, the local has been immersed in the hip hop world for years. Coming up with catchy rhymes since the young age of 6, Benton hasn’t slowed his passion for music. He throws out punch line after punch line with his lyrics, so don’t miss his show at the Masquerade and a chance to support an Atlanta local!
Friday, August 2-Rubén Blades @ The Tabernacle
Looking for something a little more off the beaten track of usual music? Look no further! Rubén Blades, coming to The Tabernacle, is a salsa and Latin jazz musician. A complete icon in Panama for his lyrical sophistication and activism, Blades is someone you won’t want to miss this weekend!
Saturday, August 3-The Affordable Old School Concert Series: K-Ci & Jojo @ Wolf Creek Amphitheater
For a night filled with old school hip hop and R&B, Wolf Creek is where you need to be. Also appearing with K-Ci & Jojo are Rob Base, Kut Klose, and Rodney Perry. Food and drinks are encouraged, so make a great night of it and enjoy some lovely Atlanta weather along with some fantastic music by R&B bests.
Saturday, August 3-St. Paul & The Broken Bones @ The Earl
Paul of St. Paul and the Broken Bones has been singing since…well forever. First singing in the church choir with a passion for Prince and Tom Waits, he’s touring the country with his team of musicians looking for anyone interested in some great music and some great fun. Check them out at The Earl.
Saturday, August 3-Wesley Cook @ Smith’s Olde Bar
Growing up in former West Germany, South Korea, and cultivating a steady fan base in Argentina makes Wesley Cook one diverse musician, as well as having a diverse background. He’s released a critically acclaimed acoustic album as well as a full band album in 2010. Rolling Stone loves him, Georgia Music Magazine thinks he is “the next big thing,” and you may just love him too!
Saturday, August 3- Highschool Sweetheart @ The Drunken Unicorn
We’re all for supporting our co-workers! Our very own Customer Service Representative, Nick, and his band Highschool Sweetheart, will be taking the stage at the Drunken Unicorn Saturday night! Enjoy a fun night of pop rock music and support Atlanta’s local musicians! $5 at the door. Doors at 9pm.
Saturday, August 3- Kenny Chesney @ Georgia Dome
It’s a night of full-on country! Joining Kenny Chesney on stage includes his famous friends and Atlanta locals, Zac Brown Band, along with Eli Young Band and Kacey Musgraves!
Saturday, August 3-1964- The Tribute @ Variety Playhouse
For many of us, we didn’t get a chance to see all The Beatles play together, and alas, won’t get that chance again, but The Tribute has been dubbed nearly the next best thing as an acclaimed Beatles tribute band. Take a musical journey through all the Beatles’ AH-mazing hits!
Saturday, August 3-Masquerade Musicians Showcase 2013 @ The Masquerade
This is a great opportunity to go out and support your local artists. The second annual Masquerade Musicians Showcase brings in local talent to compete for cash and support from local music businesses. This year features Clap for Daylight, Greg Shaddix, Over the Effect, The Little Boxes, The Roadside, and The Fire Gang.
Saturday, August 3-Goo Goo Dolls / Matchbox Twenty @ Lakewood Amphitheater
Seriously, who couldn’t sing nearly every word to Goo Goo Dolls favorite “Iris?” It’s a classic. The American rockers have been touring since 1985, and have been successful for a reason. They have also just released their newest single “Come to Me” from the latest album “Magnetic.” Joining them are Matchbox Twenty at Lakewood.
Sunday, August 4-Jerry Day @ Atlantic Station
Jerry Day, remembering the life and times of Jerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead, showcases 8 bands at Atlanta Station. An 8-hour show open to all ages, this isn’t something you will want to miss. The bands performing include Escape Vehicle, High Mountain Ramblers, Swami Gone Bananas, gr8FLdüde & frenz, Jango Monkey, Webster, The Warlocks, and Frankly Scarlett.
Sunday, August 4-Crystal Bowersox @ Eddie’s Attic
The early show might be sold out, but hurry and you can still catch the late show for Crystal Bowersox at Eddie’s. Trust me, this show didn’t sell out for no reason. With her newest CD release, even the New York Times is gushing, “She has a keen, finely honed pop instinct all her own.” Her unique combination of blues, country, folk and rock have given her an edge over other artists.
Sunday, August 4-Ceremony @ The Drunken Unicorn
These California rockers mean business. The punk rock band has been described as “non-stop bludgeoning of sonic fury,” so this show might not be for the faint of heart!
Sunday, August 4-Yacht Rock Schooner @ Legazy Gazebo Ampitheater (KSU)
Set sail and get ready for the open water with the soft rock tribute at KSU. Even better, students get discounts!
Sunday, August 4-American Idol Live! @ Gwinnett Arena
Didn’t get enough of your American Idol favorites? No fear! American Idol Live is coming to Gwinnett Arena with loads of live music and singing sensations from the season, that you have missed.
