British singer NATASHA BEDINGFIELD was well on her way to U.S. pop stardom with the catchy, upbeat single “Unwritten,” from her 2005 album of the same name. But poor reaction to her (U.K.-only) 2007 follow-up almost erased her American career prospects. She’s finally returned to these shores with a new album (“Pocketful of Sunshine”), and the wait doesn’t seem to have hurt her any, if tonight’s sold-out show at Variety Playhouse is any indication. The Veronicas and Kate Voegele also appear. www.variety-playhouse.com.

If variety is indeed the spice of life, then the ROCKIN’ BLUES, BREWS AND BBQS festival today at Park Tavern has everything you need. Enjoy lots of beer and barbecue (of course), as well as music from local favorites Mudcat, Delta Moon and Francine Reed with Java Monkey. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the gate; VIP tables are $50. 404-249-0001. www.rockbbbfest.com.  

Whether you’re a longtime jazz lover or a fan still learning to enjoy the genre, you’re sure to find something to please your ears during the ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL. The free three-day concert continues through Monday, May 26 at Woodruff Park. Admission is free. www.atlantafestivals.com.

THREE TIMES THE CHARM: Fans of JAMES TAYLOR are in luck. The singer-songwriter performs not one, not two, but three shows at Chastain Park, Saturday through Monday, May 24-26—which should make for a memorable Memorial Day weekend, indeed. Ticket prices range from $38.50 to $75. 404-264-6400. www.livenation.com.

TWO DECADES AND COUNTING: Arts fans are out in force to celebrate the 20th year of the DECATUR ARTS FESTIVAL. The event, which includes an artists market, literary events and children’s activities, takes place Saturday and Sunday, May 24-25 on the Courthouse Square. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. www.decaturartsfestival.org.

Six years after its last album, the alternative rock band FILTER, known for its unsettling 1993 anthem “Hey Man, Nice Shot” and the Top 15 1999 hit “Take A Picture,” returns with “Anthems for the Damned,” a focused howl of frustration at the current state of the world. The band—led by frontman and mainstay Richard Patrick—performs Tuesday, May 20 at Heaven at the Masquerade. Ours also appears. 404-577-8178. www.masq.com.

MUCH BETTER THAN A FLEA CIRCUS: Sure, you can stay at home with Rover this weekend, but wouldn’t you both rather check out STAR 94’S PETAPALOOZA? The pet-friendly festival takes place from noon to 9 p.m. today at Town Center Park in Suwanee, with dog agility and frisbee shows and an appearance from Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald of Animal Planet’s “Emergency Vets.” And yes, pets are welcome at this free event. For more information, visit www.star94.com.

TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON: And spring just happens to be the time for home tours and festivals. Explore another intown neighborhood during the KIRKWOOD SPRING FLING AND TOUR OF HOMES. The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today only at Bessie Branham Park, while homes are open for the tour from noon to 6 p.m. May 17 and 18. The fest is free; tour tickets are $12 in advance and $15 on the day of the tour. www.kirkwoodfling.com.

ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? By which we mean, have you ever been to the SOCO MUSIC EXPERIENCE? The annual summer music festival, brought to you by the folks at Southern Comfort, returns to Atlanta today with headliners Against Me! accompanied by the Supersuckers, Ghostland Observatory, Ryan Shaw and Bang Camaro. There’s also food, drinks, vendors and something called the Soco & Lime Dome, all at Centennial Olympic Park. The event is free, but you’ve gotta be 21 or older to get in. For more information, visit www.southerncomfort.com/scmxatl.

If you’re a fan of modern country music, it doesn’t get any better than the lineup at the 11th annual COUNTRY FAIR at Lakewood Amphitheatre. The two-day extravaganza, sponsored by local radio station Kicks the Big 101.5 (WKHX-FM), offers some of the smartest acts in today’s country scene tonight as Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley take the main stage; Saturday features Clay Walker, Pat Green and Georgia’s own Travis Tritt. For bands playing pre-concert shows on the Honky Tonk stage and other information, visit www.wkhx.com.

DANCING ON TAP: The world’s most famous Irish dance sensation is back, as RIVERDANCE makes the rounds for what’s being billed as its farewell tour. See the show once last time at the Fox Theatre tonight through Sunday, May 18. Ticket prices range from $25 to $62. 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org.

A SWELL EVENING: Probably still basking in the afterglow of their Academy Award for Best Original Song back in February, THE SWELL SEASON (aka musicians Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová) perform tonight at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Rent their utterly charming movie “Once” beforehand to acquaint yourself with some of your new favorite songs. 404-249-6400. www.cobbenergycentre.com. 

And if anybody could, it would probably be the ATLANTA BOY CHOIR, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. For the last five decades, the choir has performed for presidents, heads of state and the Pope while visiting more than 30 states and 20 countries. The group’s anniversary concert starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center. Tickets are $10, $25 and $50. 404-733-5000. www.woodruffcentertickets.org.

After two previous cancellations, VAN HALEN is scheduled to finally hit the stage at the Arena at Gwinnett Center this Sunday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. Let’s hope we’re “Jump”-ing for joy that David Lee Roth, Eddie and Co. do actually show up. Otherwise, Gwinnett will be a “House of Pain.” 404-249-6400. www.gwinnettcenter.com.