6:30 and 9 Friday: Upton Trio at Hunter-Gatherer. It's not often that you get to eat dinner in town while being entertained by a trio of fine musicians. And it's not often that you hang out in one of your favorite bars as a trio of fine orchestral musicians plays. You get the best of both (unfamiliar?) worlds tonight. H-G is at 900 Main St. $8; (803) 748-0540.
7 Friday: Haley Dries at The White Mule. It seems that the music world is taking notice of Dreis. She now has a manager, and I've heard her debut CD, "Beautiful to Me," is being passed around L.A. conference rooms. If I were a record executive, Dreis would be what I was looking for: a personable performer who isn't a made-up character or caricature, someone who sings songs that extend a familiar warmth, kind of like pulling into the driveway after a long trip. The White Mule is at 1530 D Main St. $5; (803) 661-8199.
If you see Dreis' set, you'd be wise to stay to hear Josh Roberts play. Whereas Dreis' music beckons, Roberts' clutches. You can't run from his foot-stomping rock charge. The show starts at 9:30 tonight, and tickets cost $7.
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7:30 Friday: Selah at Mount Horeb United Methodist Church. Selah, a contemporary Christian group, goes beyond the banality of a lot of worship music with its built-in subject matter. Listen to the band's uplifting cover of the Rascal Flatts' "Bless the Broken Road," and you'll hear the gospel in that pop song. The church is at 205 Old Cherokee Road, Lexington. $15 to $19; http://www.concertsatmthoreb.com or (803) 359-3495.
10 Friday: Crowfield at The Venue. The Lowcountry Americana from this Charleston band is efficient and at times beautiful. The Venue is at 1020 Broad St., Camden. (803) 713-8333.
5:30 p.m. Saturday: Tom House at Alien Carnival House Concert. House, a poet and singer-songwriter, will perform. Yes, his songs are poetry. Bentz and May Kirby and John Sildag Starino will open. Tickets cost $15. For reservations, e-mail bocelts@yahoo.com or call (803) 413-5676.
8 p.m. Saturday: The Tiptons Sax Quartet at 701 Center for Contemporary Art. The quartet might appear as something of a novelty: All its members are female. But once the horns blow, you'll view them simply as players. The Tipton Sax Quartet's repertoire ranges from jazz to blues to micro genres such as Afro-Cuban music. 701 CCA is at 701 Whaley St. $5 to $10; (803) 957-5565 or visit http://www.bigsphinx.com.
6 p.m. Monday: The Chariot at New Brookland Tavern. The Chariot features Josh Scogin, the former frontman of hardcore besties Norma Jean. Expect the same intensity. With Greeley Estates, Inhale/Exhale, Memphis May Fire and The Color Morale. NBT is at 122 State St., West Columbia. $10 in advance, $12 at the door; (803) 791-4413.
7 p.m. Tuesday Uncle Kracker at Club 1800. Uncle Kracker, once a protege of Kid Rock, is a musician who parked his trailer on the mainstream freeway. Not as big as he once was - at least in album sales - Uncle Kracker still appeals to a niche audience that absorbs his blues and moody country and rock. The Reason Your Listening will open, and for those who want to throw down after Kracker's set, Villanova will perform. Club 1800 is at 1800 Blanding St. $10; (803) 803) 765-0911.
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