The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
MUSIC PICKS
FRIDAY Elton John
It’s officially time to say goodbye to the piano legend as he rolls through his sometimes-hometown for (what we think will be) the last time(s). Of course, John plans to stay on the road through 2020 and play more than 300 shows on his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, so maybe he’ll opt for an encore performance in the next couple of years in one of his favorite cities.
8 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Sold out. State Farm Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-7453000, ticketmaster.com.
Ghost
Theatrics is a key element in the live production of these Swedish poprockers and their current tour, “A Pale Tour Named Death,” will be presented in two acts with an intermission. Frontman Tobias Forge is the focal point as his Cardinal Copia character, but he’ll be joined by an expanded band featuring seven “Ghouls” and “Ghoulettes” as they romp through a catalog that includes the new album, “Prequell.”
8 p.m. Nov. 30. $39.50. Coca-Cola Roxy, 800 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta. 1-800-7453000, livenation.com.
Dave Koz
The sax man has hit the road at the holidays for 21 years, so clearly something is working. Joining Koz are Mindi Abair (a newbie to the Koz Christmas tour); return guest singer/guitarist Jonathan Butler; and keyboardist Keiko Matsui. Expect to hear a Hanukkah medley among the Christmas classics.
8 p.m. Nov. 30. $41-$84. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 1-800-7453000, ticketmaster.com.
SATURDAY The Piano Guys
Pianist Jon Schmidt, cellist Steven Sharp Nelson, videographer Paul Anderson and music producer Al van der Beek formed the group a decade ago and became viral sensations with their melding of classical and pop. They’ve released a couple of Christmas albums, including last year’s “Christmas Together.”
2:30 and 8 p.m. Dec. 1. $55$80. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
TUESDAY The Robert Cray Band
The 65-year-old native of Columbus, Ga., was never much of a chart presence because his stately blues rock doesn’t lend itself to tightly formatted radio. But the 2015 release, “4 Nights of 40 Years Live” tells you all you need to know about the depth of Cray’s career. In 2017, he released a recording with storied Memphis soul band Hi Rhythm.
8 p.m. Dec. 4. $37-$48. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta. 1-877-987-6487, ticketfly.com.
WEDNESDAY Leslie Odom Jr.
To a generation, the creamy-voiced LO J will always be known as their Aaron Burr. Indeed, the soulful singer-actor earned a Tony Award for his portrayal of the famous traitor in the original Broadway cast of “Hamilton.” However, he’s also been releasing music since 2014 – his most recent was 2016’s “Simply Christmas” – and will display his vocal talents with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
7:30 p.m. Dec. 5. $39.50$99.50. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com. For more music news, concert reviews and interviews, visit the Atlanta Music Scene at AJC.com.