Equal parts chamber-folk songstress and classically-charged eccentric, DC musician Marian McLaughlin will make her way to Buffalo’s Ninth Ward at Babeville tonight for the first stop on her string of East Coast tour dates. The thing about Marian is—unless you’re already familiar with her unique musicianship—chances are slim that I’ll be able to accurately describe her craft with words alone. Think… Joanna Newsom-esque vocal explorations over a backdrop of intricate classical guitar pickings and orchestra-tinged string arrangements (by collaborator and double bassist Ethan Foote). Her cathedral folk offerings are already entrancing to begin with, but in the intimate confines of the Ninth Ward? A rare treat.
A wildly suitable match is found in Buffalo’s buzzing indie folk quintet Tiny Rhymes (whose Katie Weissman doubles as McLaughlin’s touring cellist) to open tonight’s show. Doors open at 7pm with a $10 admission, storytelling vibes in full force.