After rockin'' in the New Year at Doc''s just two weeks ago, The Uninvited is back again for an encore. This time they will play with Torch ''N'' Bones, Carl Christ''s (formerly of The Medflys) new band, which is on the rise, and ready to introduce their sound to you. Perhaps this''ll blow your weekend anxiety away.

The Uninvited with Torch ''N'' The Bones, Thursday, 9pm, Doc''s Nightclub, 649-4241.

Strangers in a not-so strange town (no pun intended): Jim Brunberg (vocals, guitar, pedal steel, mandolin, banjo), Jeff Pehrson (vocals, acoustic guitar), Sam Johnston (keyboards, harmonica), Mark Abbott (drums), and Chad Heise (bass). Meet the boys behind Box Set, a San Francisco quintet that plays good old roots rock ''n'' roll. Although they haven''t been around Monterey lately, Box Set was a semi-regular on the scene a couple years ago, and since then their reputation has grown. The band started out as an acoustic duo when Jim Brunberg and Jeff Pehrson met in a San Francisco coffeehouse in 1991. Within a two-year span, they graduated from touring up and down the West Coast to touring Europe. Successfully, so it seems, because after their return in 1993, they formed a full electric band, and released their self-titled indie album in January of 1994. After that, there were sure, steady steps up the ladder.

Box Set was named in an Honor Roll of Unsigned Talent by Billboard Magazine, and ''Group of the Year'' by the National Academy of Songwriters. It was 1995 that marked the release of their second indie album, Twenty-Seven, and 1996 that of the third, Meantime. Both releases earned Box Set raves all around. In 1997, they won two Bay Area Music (''BAMMIE'') Awards as ''Best Club Band'' and ''Outstanding Roots/Americana Artist.''

Now Box Set has released their Capricorn Records debut album, Thread, which encompasses all the key elements of roots-based rock. Over the past seven years, the band has connected with an ever-growing number of listeners. Their music has been called tangy, intricate, evocative, and even sensuous. Their lyrics are praised as smart, sensitive, witty, and their stage presence as simply mesmerizing. Said Pehrson in an earlier interview; "In general, we open ourselves in our writing, and the music reflects the feelings and experiences we''re going through at any given time." There''s the secret, music with emotions, and to experience such a rarity, you''ll have to go and ''feel'' for yourself.

Playing with Box Set, Government Grown may be another must-see live band. Originally formed in 1994, this San Diego quartet recently relocated to Santa Cruz. Jeremy Moss (lead vocals, drums), Tyler Hardwick (lead guitar, backing vocals), Harley Orion (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), and Justin Short (bass) invite you to experience their interpretation of psychedelic rock with a little reggae, and a little blues thrown in just enough to spice things up.

Box Set with Government Grown, Friday, 9pm, Doc''s Nightclub, 649-4241.

After going back to the roots, and taking a trip down Psychedelic Avenue, Doc''s gives you Tempest, the band with an intriguing blend of Celtic rock. The five guys have been here before, most recently at First Night Monterey, where they performed two headlining slots. Tonight, however, they''re ready to celebrate the release of their latest CD, The 10th Anniversary Compilation. If you are looking for a treat, look no more, because Tempest is it.

Tempest, Saturday, 9pm, Doc''s Nightclub, 649-4241.

They must have enjoyed their recent CD release party because Juice is returning to Doc''s on Sunday for another jam session. This time, they will play with local modern rock band V.E.R.A., whose members, Jim Chatterton (guitar, keyboard), Steve Parmley (drums), and Christine DeVito (lead vocals, bass, keyboard) want to show you their stuff. A word of caution: Chatterton goes crazy over ''70s-type shirts, and is sure to wear one. Got any hidden in your closets?

Juice with V.E.R.A., Sunday, 9pm, Doc''s Nightclub, 649-4241.

Listen up, you punk fans. Doc''s is hosting its first punk rock night with JonBenet Stranglehold and Fingerbang who are playing with none other than D.O.A. If you''re not familiar with the latter but enjoy the usage of a lot of generally unacceptable language, loudly vocalized, then this is where you should be. D.O.A. has been around for a long time, and they know their stuff.

D.O.A. with JonBenet Stranglehold & Fingerbang, Tuesday, 9pm, Doc''s Nightclub, 649-4241.

But you don''t have to set up camp at Doc''s Nightclub for the entire week, there are other options. House Of Cards, a classic rock ''n'' roll band from Santa Cruz is coming to the Blue Fin Caf‚ on Friday. You can always play a round of pool on one of their beautiful pool tables.

House Of Cards, Friday, 9pm, Blue Fin Caf‚, 375-7000.

You could also drop by Whitey''s Place and meet Robby & Danyel. This energetic duo will entertain you with some good rock ''n'' reggae.

Robby & Danyel, Friday, 9:30pm, Whitey''s Place, 646-8383.

And if you want something completely different, go on over to meet The Don Pender Quartet at the Jazz Store. Judging from previous accounts, this quartet is sure to entertain you with some exquisite, versatile jazz.

The Don Pender Quartet, Saturday, $25, The Jazz Store, 624-6431. cw