This week's hot concerts

Sponge

7 p.m. Friday, February 3, Tremont, 400 W. Tremont Ave. $12-$14. www.etix.com

Although it had its biggest hits - “Molly (Sixteen Candles)” and “Have You Seen Mary” - over 15 years ago, this Detroit rock combo has amassed a legion of loyal fans based on the strength of its lesser known album tracks and sweaty live shows.

Mike Doughty

10:30 p.m. Friday, February 3, Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $22-$24. 704-376-3737.

The Soul Coughing frontman added author to his resume this week with the release of his memoir “The Book of Drugs” and will share passages during this intimate likely sell-out show. This week also marked the release of his live double album “The Question Jar Show,” which captured his interactive 2009 tour.

The Loudermilks/John Howie, Jr.

10 p.m. Friday, February 3, Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $7. 704-333-9799.

It’s a night for talented roots rock songwriters as former members of popular Charlotte band Lou Ford (the Loudermilks) and former Two Dollar Pistol (Howie) team with the Rosewood Bluff and Bart Lattimore.

Tool

8 p.m. Saturday, February 4, Bojangles’ Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. $55.95-$77.50. www.ticketmaster.com

After local 2011 gigs with his other projects, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, Maynard James Keenan returns to Charlotte for the third time in eight months. Fans are still clamoring for a new album.

 
Andy the Door Bum

8 p.m. Saturday, February 4, Milestone, 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd. $2-$4. www.themilestoneclub.com

The Charlotte neo-folk singer-songwriter celebrates the new and old South on his ambitious new double album (on vinyl with digital download code) at the 40-plus-year-old venue that gave him his stage name.

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Gringo Star

10 p.m. Saturday, February 4, Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $7. 704-333-9799.

This Atlanta quartet, whose struggles are chronicled in the “Hurry Up and Wait” documentary, make garage pop with the flowery patchwork charm of `60s British psychedelic rock on its latest disc, “Count Yer Lucky Stars.”

Augustana/Grafitti6

8 p.m. Monday, February 6, Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $15-$18. 704-358-9200.

Despite the infectious 2011 single “Steal Your Heart,” the San Diego pop-rockers were dropped by Epic after revealing a more mature, critically applauded sound. Buzzing British duo Graffiti6 opens the show.

Machine Head

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. $27. www.livenation.com

Following up the Grammy nominated, 2007 critical darling “The Blackening,” the veteran metal band returned in 2011 with another grand metal opus (“Unto the Locust”) that ranked on several end-of-year best of lists.

 
Samantha Crain

8 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $8-$10. 704-376-3737.

Whether doing the alt-country thing with her old band the Midnight Shivers, veering toward electrified indie-rock or the more sparse orchestral folk of her new single, this Oklahoma songwriter packs an original voice that haunts and lingers.