LIVE MUSIC PICKS
Big country: Dolly Parton, Tracy Lawrence in town this week
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday, October 23, 2008
THURSDAY, OCT. 23
The Ting Tings
Nothing but fun: This British duo — Jules De Martino and Katie White — went straight to the top of the U.K. charts with debut album “We Started Nothing.” It’s an aptly titled album, because there’s really nothing new there. Who cares? It’s got some very memorable and party-ready tunes, including “That’s Not My Name” and “Shut Up and Let Me Go.” You might have heard the latter on a commercial for the iPod.
• 8 p.m. $18; $15 advance. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Little Five Points. 404-521-1786, www.variety-playhouse.com.
FRIDAY, OCT. 24
Dolly Parton
Everybody loves Dolly: Part Nashville cartoon, part songwriting genius, and all warmth and wonder, the 62-year-old Dolly Parton is the country equivalent of chocolate. You won’t find many people who really don’t like either one. Recently recovered from some back problems — go figure — she’s on the road promoting “Backwoods Barbie,” her first release on her own Dolly Records.
• 8 p.m. $58.50-$68.50; $38.50 lawn. Chastain Park Amphitheater, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.livenation.com.
Tracy Lawrence
Resurgent country: His career has had its ups and downs in the 15-plus years since his debut, but he’s been back in the spotlight with the recent No. 1 hit “Find Out Who Your Friends Are.” A version of the song recorded with Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney received musical event of the year honors at the 2007 Country Music Association Awards and vocal event of the year award at the latest Academy of Country Music ceremony. Before “Friends,” the last time Lawrence hit the top of the Billboard country chart was in 1996 with “Time Marches On.”
• 8 p.m. $16-$100. Wild Bill’s, 2075 Market St., Duluth. 678-473-1000, www.wildbillsatlanta.com.
MONDAY, OCT. 27
Jackson Browne
Not running on empty: One of the finest singer-songwriters of the ’70s, Browne hasn’t really made much impact of late. Those gems of his early years are always worth revisiting, though, including timeless classics such as “Doctor My Eyes,” “Running on Empty,” “Before the Deluge” and “These Days.” Browne, who turned 60 this month, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. He’s touring in support of his 2008 release, “Time the Conqueror,” his first album since 2002 and the 13th of his career.
• 7:30 p.m. $40-$75. The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-659-9022, 404-249-6400, www.livenation.com.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29
Squirrel Nut Zippers
Mixed nuts: The Squirrel Nut Zippers have been immersing themselves in the music of a bygone era since the early ’90s with their modern take on the swinging hot jazz of the decades before World War II. The North Carolina combo doesn’t confine itself to that style, though, adding klezmer, calypso and country blues, among other genres, to the musical melting pot. After spending several years apart, the band reunited in 2007 and hit the road again.
• 8 p.m. Oct. 29. $25; $22.50 advance. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-521-1786, www.variety-playhouse.com.
