ZZ WARD
Hints of Amy Winehouse and splashes of Grace Potter and Adele packaged inside a leather-wearing image - that's just the beginning of attempts to describe ZZ Ward. She's got pop sensibility in her songwriting, while her powerful vocals bounce between blues, soul and rock. She reminds me a lot of Canada's Serena Ryder - strong talent and lyrical abilities and just one breakthrough song away from truly hitting it big. She writes really catchy tunes; they just haven't caught on yet. $15-$75. Sept. 27, 8 p.m. Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. 704-358-9200.