Folk-pop trio Uncle Bonsai plays at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 7, at Miller’s Community and Arts Center, in Carnation.

Uncle Bonsai’s soaring and intricate vocal harmonies and biting humor deliver poignantly unflinching portrayals of life, love, and a guy named Doug.

The trio’s influences range from the Beatles to Stephen Sondheim — some say Zappa cross-bred with Peter, Paul and Mary. At Miller’s, the group will be performing old songs, new songs, Doug songs, and selections from their upcoming album, “The Grim Parade of Cat & Mouse.”