Nearly 15 years into her career, Neko Case still lets her auburn locks down, cracks subtle jokes and belts her melodies until the entire audience is captivated. And her next destination to charm is the music-loving town of Northampton this Friday, Feb. 4 at 8:00 p.m. Seven-member indie folk group, Lost In The Trees will serve as the opening.

Emerging with a predominantly country feel to her sound, Case released her first album entitled “The Virginian” in 1997 under the performing title Neko Case and Her Boyfriends. The album title originates from her birthplace of Alexandria, Va. Case spent most of her childhood in Tacoma, Wash., leaving the U.S. for the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver in 1994. While studying, she dabbled in several different punk groups, even playing drums in a few of them. It was after she graduated and returned to the U.S. when she formed her first group and started recording.

By the new millennium, Case had already released two albums with Her Boyfriends and recorded vocals with the group The New Pornographers, whom she is well known for collaborating with. She lost Her Boyfriends as part of her recording name in 2002 and began releasing new music simply as Neko Case for the first time on the album “Canadian Amp.” A multitalented and busy musician, Case has released seven albums and recorded on five albums by The New Pornographers. Her evolution over the past decade since she began recording has shown a young 20-something new to the music scene grow into a 40-year-old comfortably playing international tours.

Though her recorded works are numerous and highly acclaimed, her talent shines most brightly during her live performances. She entrances her audiences with her honest and approachable lyrics, thus leaving them feeling connected to her even after they leave the show. Her performances have been said to be a positive emotional experience that you can’t get at any other show. Though she does write love songs often, they aren’t the phony, poppy love songs you could catch on the radio. Case’s songwriting power comes from the fact that her pieces can be applied to anyone anywhere in their life. She is as far from a sell out as possible, having once said she never wants to be on the MTV Video Music Awards.

Case is currently on a midwinter tour, playing Providence, R.I., Boston and Northampton this week. Sure to put on another very memorable performance, Case is the woman to watch this weekend.

Tickets are available in advance online at IHEG.com for for $25 and $32.50 at the door.

Amy Larson can be reached at [email protected].