MUSIC PICKS

FRIDAY Tinsley Ellis

That he’s nominated as blues-rock artist of the year at the 2020 Blues Music Awards is only the second biggest thing for Ellis this new decade. He’ll celebrate the release of his new album, “Ice Cream in Hell” with an intimate hometown show. Ellis has said the new release is the most “guitar-drenched” of his career, and he plans to make sure people hear it by staying on the road for his usual 150-plus nights a year. “A musician never got famous staying home,” Ellis said.

With Mudcat. 8 p.m. Friday. Sold out waitlist available). City Winery Atlanta, 650 North Ave., Ponce City Market, Atlanta. 404946-3791, citywinery.com/ atlanta.

Spafford

The Arizona-based quartet has been jamming for more than a decade, infusing their compositions with elements of rock, reggae, ska, funk and jazz. Last year, the band’s drummer, Cameron Laforest, departed and Spafford’s previous beat-maker, Nick Tkachyk returned to the fold. The band’s most recent self-released album is 2018’s “For Amusement Only.”

9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $28-$79 (or $45 for twonight pass). Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta. 1-877-987-6487, ticketfly.com.

SATURDAY Winter Jam

This will mark the first time Atlanta-based Crowder is headlining the Contemporary Christian caravan, which was founded in 1995 by Valdosta’s NewSong. More than two decades later, the tour remains an anomaly. There are no pre-purchased tickets, and instead, fans are encouraged to donate $15 at the door. Seating is general admission. The Atlanta lineup will also include Andy Mineo, Hillsong Young & Free, Building 429, RED, Austin French, Newsong, Riley Clemmons, Ballenger and Zauntee. Speakers Zane Black and Greg Stier will also appear.

6 p.m. Saturday. $15 (donation at the door, general admission). State Farm Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 404-878-3000, statefarmarena.com.

THURSDAY Saint Motel

Give the band credit for ingenuity. In October, the Los Angeles “dream pop” quartet released “The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Part 1” as a segment of a three-part project that will form their upcoming studio album. The album is modeled after the “Hero’s Journey” movie concept, which also consists of three acts.

8 p.m. Thursday. $25. Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta. 1-800745-3000, ticketmaster.com.