DaytonDailyNews.com

There aren't a lot of male-female duos in Dayton playing a mix of rock, country and roots music, and there certainly aren't any that sound like Higgins-Madewell.

Musicians Erin Higgins and Jeff Madewell both have strong musical chops, and their voices blend so well you'd think they've been singing together for years. In fact, they've only been performing together since the summer of 2006, after their respective groups dissolved.

"She had stopped playing with Silvertongue and my band, the Love Junkies, was coming to a grinding halt," Madewell said. "It got to the point where I had to say, 'Look, guys, if you don't want to do this anymore that's fine. I don't blame you for that because you've got responsibilities, but I'm a career musician, so you can't blame me if I do other things.'"

"We always joked around about playing together, but I didn't really think it was something that was serious," Higgins said. "Then Jeff called me up and said, 'Hey, would you like to do something acoustic just to make a little extra money on the side every once in a while?' When he called I don't think it was ever with the intention of this turning into such a big ordeal. Now, we're booked three or four nights a week, but even after our first show that December we had dates all the way to March."

Higgins-Madewell — which mixes rootsy originals with high-octane acoustic versions of songs by AC/DC, Rush, Jefferson Airplane and other classic-rock acts — has focused primarily on venues north of Dayton. This year, the duo is striving to expand its circuit of clubs. First on the agenda is Katz on Friday, March 6.

"It's been about five years since I've played in that area," Higgins said. "I had a really big following with Barefoot, especially at Katz. That was kind of our home bar, and then Silvertongue had a big following there, too. Katz is specifically a band bar, so Steve is going out on a limb by letting us come in and play acoustic."

After decades of working in bands, both musicians are pleasantly surprised at how well they've adapted to playing as a duo.

"We both have the same mindset," Madewell said. "But if you would've asked either one of us three years ago if we'd be happy playing in an acoustic duo, it'd be like, 'That would be fun.' For me, it's been great."

"I finally feel at home," Higgins said. "I've finally found my sound."

CONTACT contributing arts and music writer Don Thrasher at donaldthrasher8@aol.com.

how to go

Who: Higgins-Madewell

Where: Katz Lounge, 1221 E. Stroop Road, Kettering

When: 10 p.m. Friday

Cost: Free

More info: (937) 294-9554; www.katzlounge.com

Artist info: www.higginsmadewell.com