Live music picks

Back in the ’80s, when the Stray Cats were burning up MTV with videos for “Rock This Town” and “Stray Cat Strut,” it seemed highly unlikely that, two-plus decades later, frontman Setzer would be nationally revered for his annual Christmas outing. The 18-piece orchestra will come out swinging to Setzer’s reimagined holiday tunes, just daring you to stay seated.

With the Record Company. 8 p.m. Dec. 5. $35-$75. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.

Sam Hunt

The Cedartown native has successfully transitioned from football player to country charmer with the release of his debut album, “Montevallo,” in October. Hunt previously had earned kudos in Nashville for writing songs such as Kenny Chesney’s “Come Over” and Keith Urban’s “Cop Car,” but is now forging his own career. The first single from “Montevallo,” “Leave the Light On,” hit No. 1 on the country airplay chart and has been certified gold.

With Michael Ray. 8 p.m. Dec. 5. Sold out. Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.

SATURDAY

Blind Boys of Alabama

Hearing the Blind Boys of Alabama perform live any time of the year is a reminder of the power of visceral, soulful music. That the Boys are playing this weekend to support their new Christmas album, “Talkin’ Christmas!” (featuring Taj Mahal), and bringing Francine Reed along for the joyride, makes it even more of a can’t-miss opportunity. The holiday concert will feature songs from the new album, as well as the Boys’ previous Christmas release, “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”

With Francine Reed. 8 p.m. Dec. 6. $25-$65. Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.

Robin Meade

You know Meade as a sunny morning wake-up call on HLN. But those who follow her career closely know she's also a formidable singer. In the past year, Meade, who has released two country albums, has brought her talents to Eddie's Attic for a series of round robin-style shows where she shares the stage with fellow singer-songwriters such as Victoria Shaw and Angie Aparo. On Saturday, Meade will head to Eddie's again, this time with Kelley Lovelace and Rivers Rutherford joining her for a spirited evening of song. Soon afterward, Meade heads to Las Vegas, where she'll perform in 11 Christmas concerts with the vocal group Human Nature.

9:30 p.m. Dec. 6. $20 (advance) and $25 (at the door). Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-725-8849, ticketalternative.com.

Hunter Hayes

From opening for Carrie Underwood to selling out the Fox Theatre last year to now headlining his own arena gig, it’s been an impressive climb for the multi-talented Hayes. The 23-year-old Louisianan broke through in 2011 with “Storm Warning” and “Wanted” and a self-titled debut that has sold more than 1 million copies. His follow-up, “Storyline,” released in May, hasn’t enjoyed quite the same sales success, but Hayes has remained a chart staple with the songs “Invisible” and “Tattoo.”

With Dan + Shay and the Railers. 7 p.m. Dec. 6. $35-$45. Gwinnett Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 1-888-929-7849, gwinnettcenter.com.

Anthony Hamilton

The R&B smoothie just embarked on a 17-city tour to support the October release of his first-ever Christmas album, “Home for the Holidays.” He’ll perform some of his secular hits during the show, but will mostly focus on his holiday songs, which include the originals “Spend Christmas With You” and “Coming Home.”

8 p.m. Dec. 6. $50-$125. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, foxtheatre.org.

TUESDAY

Usher

Usher hasn’t announced a release date for his upcoming album, but that hasn’t prevented him from taking to the road for his UR Experience tour, which launched Nov. 1 and wraps Dec. 14. This hometown show for the Atlanta resident likely will stick to the hits-filled set list he’s trotted out elsewhere (“Caught Up,” “U Remind Me,” “OMG”), which also includes the new tunes “Good Kisser” and “She Came to Give it to You.” But who knows whether any Usher pals with ties to the ATL might pop up for an appearance?

With August Alsina and DJ Cassidy. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9. $43.50-$179. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.

WEDNESDAY

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

TSO fans are rabid and most will attend the show annually even if they know what to expect. But this year, TSO founder Paul O’Neill decided it was time for the live debut of “The Christmas Attic.” Don’t fret, though, TSO aficionados. The second half of the always-spectacular show will spotlight fan faves such as “Wizards in Winter” and “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24.”

7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. $43-$72. Gwinnett Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 1-888-929-7849, gwinnettcenter.com.

THURSDAY

The Black Keys

“Turn Blue,” the eighth studio album from Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, became their first No. 1 in the U.S. That’s what having a major commercial breakthrough (2011’s “El Camino”) will do for a career. The Keys’ bluesy rock swagger remains, though the album, produced by UGA alum Danger Mouse, delves more into psychedelic rock. The duo, who are backed by a bassist and keyboardist onstage, have been offering a 21-song career-spanning set list during this current world tour.

With St. Vincent. 8 p.m. Dec. 11. $35-$75. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.

Eric Church

On his appropriately named fourth studio album, “The Outsiders,” Church continues to stretch the boundaries of country music and delves more into the classic rock sound that makes him such an appealing crossover star. Songs such as the title track and “Talladega” have propelled the album to nearly 800,000 copies sold. In concert, Church is already renowned for presenting a pounding show that effortlessly bridges hard rock and country.

With Dwight Yoakam and Halestorm. 7 p.m. Dec. 11. $29.50-$69.50. Gwinnett Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 1-888-929-7849, gwinnettcenter.com.

A Peter White Christmas

It’s not as if acoustic jazz guitarist White needs any accompaniment onstage, but his annual Christmas jaunt will again find him paired with pals Rick Braun and Mindi Abair, whose trumpet and saxophone playing, respectively, is a holiday treat in itself.

8 p.m. Dec. 11. $40. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.