While summers are made for lounging outside listening to overly amplified rock bands, the approach of winter inspires quieter, more intimate concerts. This is the aim of Delta Rae, the North Carolina-based folk rock sextet who’ve launched a short winter acoustic tour that aims to deliver holiday cheer to cities up and down the East Coast. For this set of shows, the group has pared down songs from its first two albums, simplifying the instrumentation on tracks like “Holding on to Good” from 2012’s Carry the Fire and allowing its singers’ voices to rise and blend. This being a holiday show, attendees can also expect an Americana take on Christmas music, including Joni Mitchell’s “River,” a risk that few other than Mitchell should take. Based on the preview video Delta Rae has released to promote this tour, there’s no cause for alarm. Built around the vocals of singer Brittany Hölljes, the group’s interpretation of Mitchell’s sad tale of lost love stands on its own. Delta Rae performs at 7:30 p.m. at the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $29.50. (703) 549-7500. birchmere.com.