A little indie rock, country, reggae and rock ‘n’ roll are rolling into town this weekend ­- all from one woman in a solo show.  
Kristen Ford is scheduled to perform at the Woodlands Tavern 8 p.m. Sunday.
The Ohio native often performs with the Kristen Ford Band, which has changed membership several times during the three years she’s been playing with the band.
“I like it being the Kristen Ford Band because I can control who plays with me and if someone can’t make it, finding a replacement is not a big deal,” Ford said.
She usually has a five-piece band, consisting of drums, trumpet, bass, violin and Ford on lead guitar, however while on the road performances could be anything from the five members to a trio or a duo.
But for her show at Woodlands Tavern, her band will not be present.
“The Ohio shows I will actually be solo. It’s a pretty big sound, I play percussion with my feet, and I play three different string instruments, harmonica, beat box, I use a looping pedal to make things sound fuller, and I make up songs with audience help,” Ford said.
One of her favorite songs to perform is “Pretty Little Mind” from the EP “Airplane,” she said, adding it has a great hook and storyline, which the audience usually reacts well to.
Ford described her music as mostly indie rock, however she likes to mix acoustic, electric elements, as well as reggae, rock ‘n’ roll, country and even a little pop.
“I love a good pop song hook,” Ford said.
Some students noted that her music sounds a lot different than typical artists of today.
“She sounded a lot different than anything that I usually hear on the radio,” said Taylor Stevens, a second-year in psychology.
However, Jess Cooper, a second-year in pharmaceutical sciences, thinks Ford’s music sounds comparable to other artists.
“I like the sound, but it is the type of music I would study to or listen to in the car,” Cooper said. “(But) I think she sounds really similar to other contemporary artists I have heard.”
The Kristen Ford Band helped Ford with her third and latest record “The Grindstone,” released in September 2011, and is working on a follow-up, she said.
“The next album should be fun. It’s going to be a more big band with electronic elements and soulful with some hip-hop,” Ford said.
Ford said she is an independent artist, which comes with a bit of responsibilities.
“I am the booking agent, I’m the publicist, I’m the touring manger, I’m the artist, I’m the guitar tech,” she said.
Ford is on a seven-week international tour. She will be traveling to major cities in the U.S. as well as traveling abroad to Berlin and Barcelona.
The Woodlands Tavern is located at 1200 W. 3rd Ave.

 

 

An earlier version of this story stated Kristen Ford’s music is not something Jess Cooper would study to or listen to in the car. Indeed it is the kind of music she would study to or listen to in the car.