'Material Girl' plays Philips Arena tonight
At a time when it seems like any straight diva who can sing even marginally is a "gay icon," expect LGBT fans to turn out in droves to see the real thing: Madonna plays Philips Arena tomorrow night at 8 p.m.
"Gay icon" used to be reserved for stars with that certain mix of talent, survival instincts, triumphing against the odds, challenging norms, and actual ties to the LGBT community — in addition to Madonna, think Cher, Bette Midler, Barbara Streisand and Janet Jackson.
Now the term has been diluted to include everyone from "Real Housewives" to all of the aging '80s pop stars and "American Idol" contestants who have found new career opportunities on the stages of Pride festivals around the country.
Indigo Girls, Melissa Etheridge, Rufus Wainwright, Morrissey — Atlanta’s fall music line-up features some of the best known openly LGBT musicians, then sets gay fans swooning with a visit from the Material Girl herself, Madonna.
It’s technically the end of the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s summer concert series, but Indigo Girls’ Sept. 14 show could also be considered the start of a banner fall music season. Tickets also go on sale Sept. 21 for the beloved lesbian duo’s Dec. 7 show with the Georgia Symphony at Cobb Energy Centre.
Indigo Girls are just one of the acts to grow out of Atlanta’s famed acoustic music scene, which remains immensely popular with LGBT fans. The scene was rocked earlier this year by the unhappy split between famed Decatur acoustic venue Eddie’s Attic and founder Eddie Owen, but this season’s music line-up shows fans may actually benefit.