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and highly-anticipated shows from

and a retiring are all on the menu for Atlanta’s spring schedule, but there’s plenty more where that came from, especially amongst LGBTQ acts and their closest allies.

For the month of April alone, there’s plenty of musical talent to explore.

(April 6 at Variety Playhouse), ’80s new wave electronic group (April 7 at Aisle 5), “Glee” star

(April 14 at Red Clay Music Foundry), (April 21 at Infinite Energy Arena), (April 21 at Phillips Arena) and “Rather Be” composers (Center Stage on April 24).

With her bestselling single “New Rules,” breakout star is already working on a new album. She told Rolling Stone, who described her as “pop’s gangster of love,” that the forthcoming music will still be pop, but will draw inspiration from Prince and “a lot of OutKast.” She’ll arrive at the Coca-Cola Roxy on June 9. Former One Direction singer

bouncing off a soaring debut LP and largely-successful single “Sign of the Times,” is bringing his world tour to Atlanta on May 11.

Other upcoming shows include alternative hip-hop sensation (March 24 at Variety Playhouse), singer-songwriter

(May 14 at Terminal West) and “Never Gonna Give You Up” ’80s legend (May 1 at Center Stage). And with “March Madness” on our minds, a group made up of local LGBTQ musicians, will perform a soundtrack of music highly associated with the world of sport on March 24 at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

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Some very talented Aussies are also making their way to Atlanta this season.

Dance-pop sensation best known for her viral hit “Somebody Loves You,” is on the road promoting her latest album.

“It’s such a blessing and I’m so grateful for the support of the LGBT community has shown me, because I wouldn’t have a career if it wasn’t for those first shows where people showed up,” Betty Who said to Gay Times

Betty Who,

back in 2017.

She’ll be returning to Atlanta to promote her latest album “The Valley” for a show at Terminal West on March 25.

Promoting their sophomore album “BATS” and trending single “Good Guys Go,” Australian alt-pop band will play Eddie’s Attic on April 3. This disc of very personal and intimate songs chronicles the journey of lead singer Tim Nelson as he details his coming out story and his adoring love for fellow band member Sam (Bolan) Netterfield. Today, the two are happily engaged.

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A FIELD OF PURPLE

With the second anniversary of Prince’s death looming over us (especially since his “Piano & A Microphone” performance at the Fox was one of his final performances), two tribute events are in the pipeline.

The ATL Collective will pay homage to the Purple One’s double LP opus, “Sign O’ the Times” on March 31 at the Buckhead Theatre.

Dionne Jimmy St James Umbreit Farris, GURUFISH’s the Black Bettys

and and many others are scheduled to appear. Then in June, 25 will host an event spearheaded by Prince super fan

(aka DJ Ob-1 Benobi) that will honor Prince’s 60th birthday and offer up an all-encompassing experience filled with music, costume contests, purple lavished décor, memorabilia giveaways and special guest performances.

Prince performed a moving cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes” at the Atlanta show.

will also be celebrated with an all-star tribute made up of friends and former bandmates at the Buckhead Theatre on March 18.

Shades of Purple Celebrating the Purple Genius, Ben The legacy of Bowie March 16, 2018