Glen Phillips

"Singer-songwriter" doesn't do justice to Glen Phillips, former lead singer of the jangly foursome Toad the Wet Sprocket. His folky solo work on "Winter Pays For Summer" and "Mr. Lemons" (due in May) is thinking man's pop. Live shows have a campfire vibe, as Phillips' sparkling vocals rise above acoustic guitar. He'll throw in a couple Toad favorites, but lean in close for thoughtful lyrics on songs he made on his own. With Melissa Ferrick. 8 p.m. Thursday. Spirit Square's McGlohon Theatre. $15-$17.50. (704) 372-1000. -- Jamie Sheats-Johnson

TOPPING THE LIST

Mad Tea Party

8 tonight, Evening Muse (Free)

Early 20th-century Americana is revisited when the retro-steeped Tea Party and bluegrass traditionalists, LoFi Breakdown share the bill with more modern grunge-folksters, IlyAIMY, and star-crossed, indie-folk duo, Northsouth. (704) 376-3737. -- COURTNEY DEVORES

Five Star Iris

10 tonight, Manchester Tavern ($5)

The Atlanta rockers are getting ready to head into the studio to record their new album, but first they'll lay down their power pop-rock in Rock Hill. (803) 325-1336. -- Deborah Hirsch

CX-1

9:30 Saturday, Sylvia Theater ($10-$12)

Former members of Acoustic Syndicate and Snake Oil Medicine Show push the boundaries of bluegrass, jazz, world music, and roots rock to fuse something energetically original. (803) 684-5590. -- CD

Kem

8 Saturday, Ovens Auditorium ($40.75-$50.75)

Real-life former wedding singer, Kem, has fashioned himself the sweet, tenor voice of modern Motown with a blend of smooth R&B and jazz that's both classic and classy. (704) 522-6500. -- CD

ALSO CONSIDER

Tinsley Ellis plays blues guitar at Double Door Inn tonight. ... Casting Crowns brings Contemporary Christian to Cricket Arena tonight. ... Nashville Mandolin Ensemble plays McGlohon Theatre tonight. ... Prolific singer-songwriter Rick Spreitzer shows off a new CD at Evening Muse on Saturday. ... Snagglepuss shakes the worn walls of the Milestone with a splashy coat of glam/jazz-punk that looks and sounds a bit like the B-52s and family aboard a pirate ship, Saturday. ... Leftover Salmon vocalist and mandolin player Drew Emmitt struts his solo project stuff at Neighborhood Theatre on Tuesday. ... Kelly Buchanan, Rebecca Loebe, Clara Lofaro and the Etta Lea Trio celebrate International Women's Day at Evening Muse on Wednesday. ... Rugged Texas storyteller, Robert Earl Keen returns to the Neighborhood Theatre on Thursday. ...Michael Reno Harrell plays Rodi on Thursday.

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