This week's hot concerts

Cake

8 p.m. Friday, December 2, Amos' Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. Sold Out. www.amossouthend.com

For WEND 106.5's annual Not So Acoustic Xmas, the station presents "an evening with" the quirky alt-rock band who will perform two sets (no openers).

The Chelsea Daggers

10 p.m. Friday, December 2, Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $5. 704-333-9799.

This stirringly original local trio melds heavy, bluesy stoner rock with haunting Yeah Yeah Yeahs-like vocal invention, but the eclectic outfit can burst into a poppy `80s-inspired chorus, sixties rockabilly throwback or experimental cabaret. With the Malamondos and Foe Hammer.

Carolina Chocolate Drops

7 p.m. Saturday, December 3, Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36^th St. $20-$23. 704-358-9298.

Having gone from a youthful string band born out of the Black Banjo Gathering at Appalachian State University to Grammy winners, the trio returns for its semi-annual winter performance - its first in Charlotte with its new lineup.

Eddie Money

8 p.m. Tuesday, December 6, Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. $39.50. www.livenation.com

After his performance during Speedstreet last Spring, the man of many hits is back to ring in the holiday season with fellow classic `70s and `80s rock vocalists Mickey Thomas from Starship and Lou Gramm from Foreigner.

George Porter, Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners

9 p.m. Thursday, December 8, Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave. $12. 704-376-1446.

At 63, the influential veteran Meters’ and Funky Meters’ bassist leads this New Orleans’ outfit with a loose improvisational feel that seamlessly fuses his roots in funk, R&B, jazz, and rock. With Donna Hopkins.

American Babies

10:30 p.m. Thursday, December 8, Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $10. 704-376-3737.

Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Tom Hamilton (formerly of Brother’s Past) makes inspired Americana that’s anchored in sparse folk but flirts with pop charm on songs like the sing-songy, whimsical “Swimming at Night” and the bluesy road song “Dance All Night.”