Feeling blue?

Maybe cozying up to a pint and listening to free blues might turn things around.

For nearly two decades, Fat Matt’s Rib Shack has been shilling barbecue and brews, and offering on-the-house live music of the blue kind. Upcoming acts include Blues Cat (8 p.m. Sept. 12), the Radio Ramblers (8 p.m. Sept. 13) and Blues Envy (7 p.m. Sept. 14).

You may be turning a different shade already.

THE 411: Free. Fat Matt’s Rib Shack, 1811 Piedmont Road N.E., Atlanta. 404- 607-1622, www.fatmattsribshack.com.

HARD ROCK FOR CHARITY

Happy hour is getting amplified.

Hard Rock Cafe’s Live at Five series brings a pair of acts to the stage at 5:30 p.m. for $5. Thursday night, Gareth Asher and Oh Dorian turn it up until 11. It’s Randall Bramblett on Sept. 18. And Anna Kramer & The Lost Cause play Sept. 25.

Tip back a Hard Rock Hurricane, browse the memorabilia and rock the stress away. Proceeds benefit the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Music in Kids’ Education program.

THE 411: $5. 5 p.m. Hard Rock Cafe, 215 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-688-7625, www.hardrock.com.

INSTANT KAVARNA

Kavarna, Oakhurst’s hip and happening wine, beer and coffee bar, offers a cozy, mellow environment and free live music to boot.

Shows to keep on the radar: Venice Is Sinking (9 p.m. Sept. 12) and a showcase packed with John Omen, John Stun, Greg Connors, the Subliminator and Vietnam (8 p.m. Sept. 13). And if you need to check your e-mail in the middle of a set, wireless Internet and a house Mac are on hand.

THE 411: Free. Kavarna, 707 East Lake Drive, Decatur. 404-371-1113, www.instantkavarna.com.