AJC -- “I’m not a person that’s going to go out and say drink liquor, but if you want to put together some great artistry, I’m all for it,” Common said.

With the Roots — the hip-hop band from Philadelphia known for their live instrumentals — serving as the house band, indie acts such as Elevator Fight, featuring Zoe Kravitz (Lenny’s daughter), are among the surprise performances, which vary in each city.

The fourth annual Hennessy Artistry series is a four-city tour of musical performances that stops Friday in Atlanta. The curators are charged with lining up a group of artists with a fresh style of aural stimulation.

The tour “is definitely an inspiration for them,” Common said referring to the up-and-coming acts. “And hopefully motivation for them to go out and say, man, you can do your own brand of music and really be yourself and still eventually get recognized by more people.”

Event preview

Hennessy Artistry series

8 p.m. Friday, The Velvet Room, 3358 Chamblee Tucker Road, Chamblee. For ticket information text “Hennessy” to 56102 or visit www.OkayPlayer.com