By Rodney Ho

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

In these troubled times, concertgoers might not consider $84.50 a bargain.

Jay Janner , American-Statesman Bob Dylan

Rex C. Curry , AP Willie Nelson.

Jason DeCrow , AP John Mellencamp.

Today on accessAtlanta

• Atlanta movie showtimes
• Atlanta TV listings
• Make restaurant reservations
• Search today's events
• Browse upcoming concerts
• Fun: Today's Find Five

But consider that top price gives you a chance to see Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp up close in one night at a lovely, modest-sized venue. And if you just want to relax on the grass, the price is even better: $34.50. (Okay, it’s $44.75 with extra fees but still not bad.)

This combo deal might be like three main dishes on a single plate. But it’s still filling, even if each legendary act only plays for about an hour.

Not surprisingly, the trio all have ties with each other. Here are a few of the connections.

Willie Nelson — John Mellencamp: Nelson in 1985 enlisted Mellencamp and Neil Young to help organize the Farm Aid concerts just as Mellencamp’s agrarian-themed “Scarecrow” was coming out. Nearly a quarter century later, Farm Aid continues as a non-profit that helps build awareness of family farms. Nelson and Mellencamp remain on the board.

John Mellencamp — Bob Dylan: They became friends in the ‘80s and Mellencamp even had Dylan as his houseguest at one point. Mellencamp also directed Dylan’s video for “Political World.” And Mellencamp did a video of Dylan’s “The Times They Are a Changin’ “ last year.

Bob Dylan — Willie Nelson: In 1993, the pair did a lovely duet of Townes Van Zandt’s “Pancho and Lefty” for Nelson’s 60th birthday celebration. That same year, Nelson sang “Heartland” with Dylan on Nelson’s album “Across the Borderline.” They performed again at Nelson’s Fourth of July picnic in 2005. And they toured together earlier this decade at minor league baseball parks.

IN CONCERT

Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp 5:30 p.m. Thursday. $34.50 to $84.50. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park in Alpharetta. www.ticketmaster.com, 404-249-6400