Marc Broussard. Photo: Sam Erickson

FRIDAY
Marc Broussard
This powerful Louisiana singer, songwriter and guitarist is carving out his own musical territory while maintaining an admirable reverence for tradition. In 2007, he released “SOS: Save Our Soul, “ a set of his own takes on classic Southern soul. With 2008’s “Keep Coming Back,” he returned to his own compositions for his third big-league album, which also marked his debut for Atlantic Records.
8 p.m. Oct. 23. $30. Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-885-1365, www.centerstage-atlanta.com.

FRIDAY
Groove Stain
If you’re looking for a good time, this is your band. This rhythmic Atlanta combo could give punky ska a good name again. Chunks of guitars and impressive vocal harmonies vie with the blast from the horn section — and everybody wins.
8 p.m. Oct. 23. $5. Sportstime Bar and Grille, 3675 Satellite Blvd., Duluth. 678-417-6885, www.sportstimegrille.com.

SATURDAY
The Gaslight Anthem
Like a post-punk take on Springsteen, the Boss’ fellow New Jersey boys do no-frills rock ’n’ roll with a distinctive style and modern flair. Rock with no hyphenation needed.
7 p.m. Oct. 24. $16. The Masquerade, 695 North Ave., Atlanta. 404-577-8178, www.masq.com.

Erykah Badu. Photo: Marc Baptiste

SUNDAY
Erykah Badu
Every once in a while, Badu unleashes one of the year’s best R&B albums with little hoopla. Of course, there are plenty of fans out there anxiously awaiting each new release, but a musician as talented as Badu deserves a little more fanfare. And when she blesses us with something as fine as last year’s “New Amerykah, “ there ought to be trumpets and fireworks. With comedians Rickey Smiley and Special K.
7 p.m. Oct. 25. $55-$75. The Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center, 395 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-523-6275, www.atlantaciviccenter.com.

TUESDAY
Paramore
Vocalist Hayley Williams and her bandmates rock in the same emo-punk vein as many of their contemporaries — think Fall Out Boy crossed with Kelly Clarkson’s more upbeat moments — but with a clean and melodic magnetism. The Tennessee-based band was a recent Grammy nominee for best new artist in 2008, but lost to Amy Winehouse.
7:30 p.m. Oct. 27. $27.50. Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-659-9022, tabernacleatl.com.

THURSDAY
Lenny Kravitz (UPDATE: Show now rescheduled for Nov. 4)

Luke Doucet

THURSDAY
Luke Doucet
If you know the name Luke Doucet at all, you know it because he used to be Sarah McLachlan’s guitarist. He’s a brilliant, under-the-radar talent making fine albums such as the heart-rending “Broken (and other rogue states)” and his latest, “Blood’s Too Rich.” Amid the ache and alcohol, his music brims with memorable turns of phrase, melodies that caress and Doucet’s beautifully understated guitar work. With Eastmountainsouth.
8 p.m. Oct. 29. $15-$18. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 404-377-4976, www.eddiesattic.com.