The past few years have been a whirlwind of change for ZZ Ward, the powerhouse singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her smoky voice and bluesy swagger.

ZZ Ward's third album, "Dirty Shine," which debuts Friday, marks her first release as an independent artist.

Alief's own Tobe Nwigwe will perform on Saturday at the 713 Music Hall. Shows from Ana Popović, Denzel Curry, Dana Cooper, Shake Russell and ZZ Ward are also on tap this week.

ZZ Ward's third album, "Dirty Shine," which debuts Friday, marks her first release as an independent artist.

As a teenager in Roseburg in the early 2000s, ZZ Ward often traveled north to Eugene for live music. While here, she got involved in the local hip-hop scene. Already a hip-hop fan, Ward was equally… ...

The Who’s farewell tour in Philly. RiverFest food and music festival returns to Jim DIetrich Park. Nine Inch Nails with Boys ...

When it comes to writing and recording songs for an album, singer-songwriter ZZ Ward, who’ll release her latest LP, Dirty Shine, next week, takes what some might consider an old school approach ...