Sweet, poetic, quirky and warm -- just a few words to describe Toronto-based singer- songwriter Karyn Ellis.

If Ellis sounds appealing, stroll over to the London Music Club tonight, when she'll perform in the venue's front room.

It was determined early on that Ellis would head down a road littered with music notes. At nine years of age, she secured first place in a singing competition for her rendition of Hey Little Bird. Suitably, her debut EP was titled Bird.

Before recording her folk-pop ballads, Ellis had a short stint studying opera at Queen's University. Uninspired by the program's rigidity, she decided to explore Europe, where she busked to cover travel costs.

More recently, Ellis has taken to touring southern Ontario and performing at various festivals alongside such talents as Ember Swift and Jill Barber.

As well, Ellis's music has appeared in Dave Cool's 2006 film What Is Indie? and Robert Swales' Rigoletto in Blue Grass.

Her latest release, Hearts Fall, was applauded by CBC and college radio. To hear some of Ellis's lovely tracks and to learn more about the artist, visit www.karynellis.com.

Ellis performs with Linda McLean. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. and cover is $5.