You probably know Iris DeMent's voice, even if you aren't wholly familiar with the Grammy-nominated songstress herself; it has soundtracked movies (True Grit) and television shows ("Northern Exposure") and appeared on record with some legendary names in folk and country, including John Prine, Ralph Stanley and Steve Earle. (She's also been a regular on "A Prairie Home Companion.") OK, the esteemed 53-year-old songwriter's gospel-informed, cracked-flowerpot vocal delivery is perhaps not for everyone, but those cool with it know it's just about the most beautiful thing in the world when it hits you right. DeMent will play a low-key show at what's probably Athens' poshest downtown venue Thursday, and you'd be a damn fool to miss it.

8:30 p.m. $27.50 (adv.), $32 (door). www.meltingpointathens.com