Tues. May 15

 Laura Veirs won't be singing with the eight-person Baptist choir she sang "To the Country" with in John and June Cash's Nashville cabin on her latest album, but she will be playing with a trio that includes pianist Steve Moore, drummer Tucker Martine and bassist Karl Blau. Viers, who sings, writes and plays guitar, is at the Middle East Upstairs Tuesday May 15, singing many a song from "Saltbreakers," her third Nonesuch album and one she says "drew more from my personal life." That would include the conclusion of a long-erm relationship, the unexpected start of a new one and a move from Seattle to Portland (the one out west). Can you say mood swing? Yep, this one starts with Viers singing "Sorry I was cruel/I was protecting myself/Drifting along with my swords flying/Tattering my own sails/Then I tattered yours, too." That's from "Pink Light," the first song on the disc. Viers is one for gentle dynamics, washes of sound, ethereal atmospherics, penetrating lyrics. Hard truths, as she says: "I wasn't afraid to look at my dark side." She's with Lake and the Tiny Tornados. Tickets are $12. Starts at 9 p.m.

472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-864-3278 mideastclub.com