SXSW Performer: M. Ward (Portland, OR)

Matt "M." Ward toiled for years in the Portland, OR, music scene before breaking through to prominence with 2006's "Post-War," which took its thematic cues from America's music post-WWII, and the music that will follow the war in Iraq. Last year his pairing with actress/singer Zooey Deschanel in She & Him bore fruit in the form of the duo's debut album, "Volume One." While constantly touring and also continuing to work with Deschanel on a second She & Him volume, Ward managed to find the time to record and release his sixth solo album. Featuring contributions from Jason Lytle, Lucinda Williams and Deschanel, among others, "Hold Time" hit stores in late February.

Performing Wednesday, March 18 at 9 p.m.at Central Presbyterian Church (200 E 8th St.) and Thursday, March 19 at 8:15 p.m. at Auditorium Shores Stage (Lady Bird Lake) (Riverside Dr & S 1st St.)

website: http://www.mwardmusic.com