Brian DeMarco is no stranger to touring the country as a performer. He's been on the road since the release of his first album in 2003.

Recently, the songwriter teamed up with Lisa Leanne, a musician he met in his hometown of Flagstaff, Ariz., and in whom he found a perfect match to his lifestyle and cross-genre song writing.

The duo, simply called DeMarco, will perform at 9 p.m. Friday, April 6, at the Jefferson State Pub, 31B Water St., Ashland.

The acoustic twosome explores folk, blues and country music and draws ideas from artists such as Lightnin' Hopkins, Jimmy Reed, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.

DeMarco writes songs in the tradition of Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan and Neil Young, expressing universal truths and ideas in simple language.

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He provides lead vocals and instrumentation on acoustic guitar, harmonica and piano while Leanne brings harmony vocals, percussion, fiddle, rhythm guitar and inverted kazoo to the mix.

DeMarco and Leanne toured together for a year in 2005. They had such a great time that they bought a Winnebago and made it their profession to tour and perform in towns and cities around the U.S.

DeMarco's songs are nearly all original works. His 2006 album, "Angel Face," is his concept piece that explores the death, journey and resurrection of the modern-day poet.

"Bend Don't Break" (2005) includes ballads, reggae, blues, rock and bluegrass that show DeMarco's diverse creativity. "Big Heart Small Worries" (2005) is a collection of songs reminiscent of a young Bob Dylan. "Everything Nothing" (2004) is a bluesy album backed by an electric band, and 2003's "Never Come Down" is an eclectic mix of songs with a rock edge.

DeMarco has opened shows for artists that include Taj Mahal, Allison Brown, Ralph Stanley, Peter Rowan, Tony Rice and Michelle Branch.

Call 482-7718.