Linda Nelson, a singer and songwriter from Glen Arm, MD, wasn't singing when Webster's Bookstore Café co-owner Fred Ramsey first met her. She was learning how to play the drums.

Nelson and Ramsey met at an Omega Institute drum workshop in the Hudson River Valley of New York that Ramsey attended "just for fun." Still, Ramsey was impressed enough by Nelson, who he describes as a "marvelous singer-songwriter," to invite her to perform at Webster's Bookstore Café, 128 S. Allen St.

Jim Eckess, a manager at Webster's, said Ramsey was so enthusiastic about Nelson's music, he said they had to get Nelson to come play at the store.

This Sunday, Nelson will be the featured performer at the second event in Webster's Singer-Songwriter Series. The series takes place about once a month on Sundays, after early closing hours. Eckess explained that the store charges a low price for these shows in order to be able to bring in strong performers with original material, such as Nelson. He added that Webster's is also interested in finding local performers with original material.

Nelson, whose music has been described as both rhythm and blues and country soul, has been writing songs since she got her first guitar at 15 years old. She became a solo artist after moving to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, but didn't decide to record until she moved back to Maryland.

Nelson has just released her first CD, entitled Waterdance, which features performers such as Nashville recording artist Billy Kemp, drummer Jack O'Dell, guitarist Barry Sless and others.

The CD received a rave review from Music Monthly magazine, which called it an "amazing display of Nelson's sultry alto voice."

Since releasing the CD, Nelson has been concentrating on performing, doing opening spots for other musicians as well as playing her own shows. She also recently appeared at the Lilith Fair Local Talent Search Contest.

Nelson's CD will be available at Webster's during and after her performance, which will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets for the performance are $3 in advance and $4 at the door.