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Procrastinators unite. If you waited too long to snag tickets to a show that sold out, you're not alone. And while the old saying "there's nothing like the real thing baby" is certainly true, we're throwing out some suggestions for the next best thing to make sure you don't suffer in silence all summer long.

Classic rock aficionados don't fret, there's more than one revival act hitting the road this summer.
• Sold-out: Chicago and the Doobie Brothers, June 24 at Chastain Park Amphitheatre.
• Instead: Crosby, Stills & Nash. 8 p.m. Aug. 2. $30-$90. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.classicchastain.com.

Diane Bondareff/AP (ENLARGE)
For those who like 'girls with guitars,' Melissa Etheridge is a great substitute for KT Tunstall.
Bill Waugh/AP (ENLARGE)
If you can't see Jack Johnson, why not get tickets to the Beach Boys, who inspired Johnson's work?
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Sure the Dave Matthews Band knows how to showcase its instrumental talents, but if you like a little more "jam" with your band then enjoy a double-dose when Moe and Keller Williams unleash their improvisational skills for the evening.
• Sold-out: Dave Matthews Band, July 7 at Lakewood Amphitheatre.
• Instead: Moe with special guest Keller Williams. 6:30 p.m. June 21. $33. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-249-6400, www.vzwamp.com.

Newgrass? Bluegrass? Whatever you call it there are some great musical pairings pickin' their way into 'Hotlanta.
• Sold-out: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, July 10 at Chastain Park Amphitheatre.
• Instead: The Kickin' Pickin' Bluegrass Party — Marty Stuart and the Del McCoury Band. 7 p.m. Aug. 6. $25-$59.50. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.classicchastain.com.

There's no denying a great new crop of "girls with guitars" but don't write-off the energy of seasoned performers like Melissa Etheridge when she takes the stage.
• Sold-out: KT Tunstall, August 1 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
• Instead: Melissa Etheridge. 8 p.m. June 20. $28-$103. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.classicchastain.com.

It's not such a stretch to bargain that Jack Johnson wouldn't be where he is today without some important groundwork laid by surf-rockers The Beach Boys who perform their trademark sound alongside the ASO.
• Sold-out: Jack Johnson, Aug. 13 at Lakewood Amphitheatre.
• Instead: The Beach Boys with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m. Aug. 13. $36-$59. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.classicchastain.com.

And finally, here's a heads up for some noteworthy summer shows that haven't sold-out (yet). Don't say we didn't warn you.

• George Benson with Earl Klugh and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. June 21. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, www.classicchastain.com.

• Colbie Caillat. 8 p.m. June 29. Variety Playhouse, www.variety-playhouse.com.

• Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Steve Winwood. 7:30 p.m. July 9. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, www.vzwamp.com.

• Earth Wind & Fire. 8 p.m. July 14. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, www.classicchastain.com.

• 311 With Snoop Dogg: Unity Tour 2008. 6:30 p.m. July 26. Lakewood Amphitheatre, www.livenation.com.

• Willie Nelson and B.B. King. 7 p.m. July 27. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, www.classicchastain.com.

• Jill Scott. 8 p.m. July 30. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, www.classicchastain.com.

• Rascal Flatts with special guest Taylor Swift. 8 p.m. Aug. 1. Lakewood Amphitheatre, www.livenation.com.

• Rod Stewart. 8 p.m. Aug. 27. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, www.vzwamp.com.

- Ali Mangkang