Upcoming: Short List

October 2 Thursday

LEWIS BLACK's Comedy Central show "The Root of All Evil" holds a pretty philanthropic standard as TV shows go: to determine which person or thing is the worst of society's ills. The show's dueling comics explore academia-snubbed nuggets of wisdom on topics like Oprah Winfrey vs. the Catholic Church and YouTube vs. porn. Much like his appearances on "The Daily Show," "Root" showcases Black's ability to take sanitized news stories and turn them into spot-on soapboxes infused with hand gestures and his own special brand of world-weary cynicism. Behind the animated delivery and borderline-crazy ranting, Black's got a point, often a pretty good one. $33.50-$75. 8 p.m. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. 404-881-2100. www.ticketmaster.com. (Amber Robinson)

October 4 Saturday

Calling all environmentally conscious, quality-beer-drinking music lovers: HOTOBERFEST commences on the grounds of Glenwood Park this weekend. The daylong event aims to raise awareness of sustainable choices in construction, recycling and health by uniting people under three main themes: preservation of our Earth, appreciation of craft beer and celebration of live music. For five hours, attendees can chill in the beer garden and enjoy tastings of up to 110 brands from around the world. Yep, see you there. $30-$55. Noon-7 p.m. Glenwood Park, 916 Glenwood Park Drive. 404-271-5050. www.hotoberfest.net. (Caroline Burke)

October 6 Monday

Since their debut album, Organix, in 1993, Philly band THE ROOTS have steadily gained attention from alternative listeners as well as the hip-hop community. By focusing on the live aspect of their performances, the group won a Grammy in 1999 for Best Rap Performance of a Group or Duo. Their latest release, Rising Down, came out April 28 this year, in conjunction with the 16th anniversary of the Rodney King riots. With 10 albums in their repertoire, the band hits up the Tabernacle with the Gym Class Heroes. $37.50. 7:30 p.m. Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St. 404-659-9022. www.tabernacleatl.com. (Samantha Mach)

Upcoming

OCT. 8 COMMON AND N.E.R.D. Come to the Tabernacle. www.livenation.com.

OCT. 8 WICKED The musical opens at the Fox Theatre. www.ticketmaster.com.

OCT. 10-11 ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Checks in for a two-day stay at Chastain Park Amphitheater. www.ticketmaster.com.

OCT. 11-12 TASTE OF ATLANTA Celebrates year No. 7 at Atlantic Station. www.tasteofatlanta.com.