Music in the Midlands: Ani DiFranco, Edwin McCain, Rebelution

Ani DiFranco

As a singer-songwriter, activist and entrepreneur, Ani DiFranco has been setting her own pace ever since she began performing in New York City in the early 1990s.

Throughout her career, DiFranco has written songs about a variety of social issues, from reproductive rights to racism to war, all on her own independent label, Righteous Babe.

Her free-form lyrics are sung stream-of-consciousness-style and backed by acoustic guitar. Such playing earned her the title of “Little Folksinger,” although her more recent music also delves into jazz and soul. DiFranco now lives New Orleans – where she has said she feels constantly inspired – with her husband and two children.

9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20 at Music Farm Columbia, 1022 Senate St. $25-$30. www.musicfarm.com

OTHERS AROUND THE MIDLANDS

Edwin McCain: The “I’ll Be” singer and Greenville native stops in Newberry on his latest tour. The rocker is taking a break from his Animal Planet TV show to deliver quality live performances.

8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15 at Newberry Opera House, 1201 McKibben St., Newberry. $37.50. www.newberryoperahouse.com

Harpeth Rising: The Louisville, Ky., trio mixes banjo and violin with cello and foot percussion that blends folk, rock, bluegrass, classical and roots music.

8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16 at UU Coffeehouse, 2701 Heyward St. $17 or $15 in advance; $3 for students. www.uucoffeehouse.org

Rebelution: The California roots reggae band performs with reggae/R&B group New Kingston.

9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15 at Music Farm Columbia, 1022 Senate St. $25. www.musicfarm.com

The High Divers: An indie roots-rock band, performing with Youngster, Human Resources and Youth Model.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14 at New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St., West Columbia. $6-$8. www.newbrooklandtavern.com