Songstress Erin McKeown will be performing at the very first show to be held in the Ninth Ward, the newly christened lounge in the basement of Ani DiFranco’s Babeville at the Church. McKeown is noted for her genre-defying style, which has touched on everything from pop to rock, electronic to swing. Starting out on the folk scene while still a student at Brown University, the now 30 year-old McKeown has five albums, two EPs and numerous compilations and soundtrack credits under her belt, in addition to playing an average of 200 live shows every year. Her latest album, Lafayette (Signature Sounds), was released in September of last year and was her first live album, featuring her vocal and multi-instrumental talents as well as her six piece Little Big Band. McKeown’s fourth album, 2005’s We Will Become Like Birds (Nettwerk Records) was a huge critical success, the Boston Globe saying: “Her playing is so muscular, her arrangements so well conceived…she succeeds brilliantly.” Without having taken a break from touring in nearly ten years, McKeown’s live shows are a treat to all who attend, and the lounge-like atmosphere of the Ninth Ward should make for an intimate venue. Opening the show is local singer/songwriter and Buffalo Music Award winner Dee Adams.

Friday, February 15 at 8pm (doors). Ninth Ward at Babeville. 341 Delaware Ave. (852-3835). $7