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A mere one official day into summer and music venues around the city are already bringing the heat.

Just about anywhere you turn — in a wide range of genres in music —there is a major name performing in Atlanta Saturday night.

WARNER BROS. / SPECIAL (ENLARGE)
Saturnight's concert by R.E.M. at Lakewood leads of litany of musical performances over the weekend with strong local connections.
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And all of these shows have Georgia connections:

R.E.M. with Modest Mouse and The National

The Georgia connection: Headlining the bill is none other than Athens' rock legends R.E.M., making their first homestate performance since the release of their critically successful CD, "Accelerate." (Factor in the AthFest going on this weekend and this makes for a big musical weekend in the college town.)

The details: 6:30 p.m. at Lakewood Amphitheatre, 2002 Lakewood Way. Tickets are $35-$75 at Ticketmaster, or 404-249-6400.

AARP Presents "Songs of Soul and Inspiration"

The Georgia connection: Metro Atlanta residents Ann Nesby, (her granddaughter) Paris Bennett and Jamia Nash join Dionne Warwick, Chaka Khan, Shirley Caesar, Queen Latifah, Yolanda Adams, Patti Austin and CeCe Winans in the Debbie Allen production of soul, jazz and gospel.

The details: 8 p.m. at Philips Arena, One Philips Drive. Tickets are $25-$65 at Ticketmaster.

Atlanta Fest

The Georgia connection: McDonough's own Casting Crowns closes out this three-day festival that also includes performances by Big Daddy Weave, Echoing Angels, This Beautiful Republic and Seventh Day Slumber; Also Bible study and skateboarding exhibitions.

The details: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Stone Mountain. One-day tickets are $35-$45 at www.itickets.com, or call 1-800-965-9324 or the Atlanta Fest ticket office, 1-800-783-8839.

George Benson with Earl Klugh and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

The Georgia connection: Joining one of the most well-known guitarist-vocalists in contemporary jazz is Buckhead's Klugh; on the road in support of his latest CD, "The Spice of Life." The details: 8 p.m. at Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Stella Drive & Pool Road. Tickets are $30-$73 at Ticketmaster.