FRIDAY
Xavier Rudd
The Australian musician is dedicated to showcasing his country’s indigenous music and surrounds himself with such instruments as didgeridoos, banjos, harmonicas and a stompbox, which he usually plays in bare feet. His songs are rife with socially conscious themes — spirituality, environmentalism — which have made him an iconic voice in his homeland. Performing since 2002, Rudd has seven albums on his resume; his most recent, “Spirit Bird,” arrived in 2012.
With Ash Grunwald. 8:30 p.m. June 20. $22. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
SATURDAY
Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers
Earlier this year, Hornsby visited Symphony Hall for a bluegrass show with pal Ricky Skaggs. Now, the versatile musician is back with the Noisemakers, his touring band for more than a decade. Look for a live Hornsby record later this year.
8 p.m. June 21. $45-$65. Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City. 877-725-8849, www.ticketalternative.com.
The Music of U2
Conductor-arranger Brent Havens promises that many of U2’s biggest hits — “Beautiful Day,” “Vertigo,” “New Year’s Day” — will receive the orchestral treatment. But, he added in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “It’s not just an orchestra show, it’s not just a band show. It’s a rock show.” Singer Brody Dolyniuk will tackle the gritty vocals, Bono-style, and admitted, “Bono is a surprisingly difficult singer. He doesn’t have the screamy nature that a lot of famous frontmen have; he has a high range and a thick tone. He’s deceivingly difficult to master.”
With the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. June 21. $20-$49. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Roxie Watson
This five-piece string band, based in Atlanta, formed in 2007 as a diversion. But their amalgamation of country, rockabilly, bluegrass and rock ’n’ roll caught the ears of many throughout the Southeast, and the band is now as likely to play in Nashville or Birmingham as they are in Duluth or Sandy Springs. They’ll be joined by Atlanta mainstay Michelle Malone, whose gutsy vocals will be on display during her unplugged set. She’s also hitting the road as part of Kristian Bush’s solo band.
With Michelle Malone. 8 p.m. June 21. $20-$28. Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth. 404-478-2749, www.eddieowenpresents.com/tickets.
SUNDAY
Counting Crows
The ’90s hitmakers will release “Somewhere Under Wonderland” this fall, their first album of original material in seven years. In a recent interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, frontman Adam Duritz said the new material is “different lyrically and comes from a different perspective, not so much first person all the time and with a little bit of a sense of humor sometimes.” While fans should hear many of the Crows’ litany of hits (“Mr. Jones,” “A Long December” and “’Round Here” are among their most popular), there is no guarantee which songs Duritz will want to perform. “Our set list changes every night. Nothing is sacred that needs to get played every night,” the singer said frankly. “I just get so sick of some songs.”
With Toad the Wet Sprocket. 7 p.m. June 22. $35-$55. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
PJ Morton
You might not know PJ Morton’s name as quickly as, say, Adam Levine’s, but the pop-soul-gospel musician is the keyboardist for Maroon 5, as well as a songwriter-producer (Musiq Soulchild, India Arie and Ruben Studdard) and a Grammy-nominated solo artist. Morton released his debut record, “New Orleans,” named after his native city, last year, with Stevie Wonder, Busta Rhymes, Levine and show-opener Tweet guesting on it. The album promptly earned a Grammy nod for R&B song of the year for “Only One,” which features Wonder.
With Tweet. 8 p.m. June 22. $30. Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
THURSDAY
Greg and Nick from Yacht Rock
Yes, that is how Greg Lee and Nicholas Niespodziani of Atlanta-based (but nationally adored) lite-rock kings Yacht Rock Revue are billing themselves for this night of original music. That’s right, no Hall & Oates or Toto covers at this one. Instead, the guys, who will be backed by the usual Yacht Rock gang, will perform songs from Niespodziani’s new band, Indianapolis Jones, and his old band, You, as well as some YRR originals. It’s probably still OK to wear your captain’s hat.
8 p.m. June 26. $8 (advance), $12 (at the door) and $40 (reserved table of four). Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-725-8849, www.ticketalternative.com.
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