SUNDAY
Mindy Smith
Smith, who grew up in Smithtown, N.Y., first attracted buzz when she gave a fresh coat of paint to “Jolene” on a 2003 Dolly Parton tribute album (“Just Because I’m a Woman”). Following the delicate, soulful sadness of her 2004 debut album, “One Moment More,” her crystalline soprano was wrapped around an even better batch of tunes on the lovely “Long Island Shores.” Her latest, “Stupid Love,” leans a little more toward pop, but there’s still a touch of country twang in there. Fans of Nanci Griffith, Emmylou Harris or Alison Krauss should find plenty to love. This show is part of the Unplugged in the Park series, now in its eighth year. This is just the second of 20 Sundays of free shows.
7 p.m. June 13. Free. Park Tavern, 500 Tenth St., Atlanta. 404-249-0001.
MONDAY
Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek
One of the finest and most socially conscious hip-hop practitioners, Kweli’s art isn’t all about the Benjamins. It isn’t for lack of trying to hit the big time, though. As Kweli put it, in a lyric that was itself a response to a shout-out from Jay-Z, “If lyrics sold, then truth be told / I’d probably be just as rich and famous as Jay-Z” (from “Ghetto Show” on the 2004 album “The Beautiful Struggle”). The 1998 album “Black Star” brought the Brooklyn, N.Y., native together with another smart and original lyricist, fellow Brooklynite Mos Def. The record was a literate bright spot of positivity. A couple of years later, Kweli and “Black Star” producer Hi-Tek unleashed “Reflection Eternal: Train of Thought.” It was an ambitious high-water mark in underground rap. This year, the pair reunited as Reflection Eternal to release “Revolutions Per Minute.” With Kidz In The Hall.
9 p.m. June 14. $25; $23 advance. The Loft, 1374 W. Peachtree St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-885-1365.
THURSDAY
Caroline Aiken, Dede Vogt and Caroline Herring
Three of Atlanta’s finest singer-songwriters come together for an evening of music in the round. You really can’t go wrong when there’s this much talent gathered on one stage.
8 p.m. June 17. $15-$18. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 404-377-4976.